Tánaiste Micheál Martin to meet German Federal Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, will meet German Federal Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, in Berlin today (18 January 2024).

They will discuss both bilateral and current EU issues, such as EU-UK relations, EU enlargement and migration, as well as global issues including the situation in the Middle East, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and climate policy.

The meeting will take place at the German Federal Foreign Office and will be followed by a joint press conference given by the Tánaiste and Foreign Minister Baerbock.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Tánaiste said:

“I feel the political relationship between Ireland and Germany has never been stronger. The Ireland Germany Joint Plan of Action has been very successful in that regard. Germany recently became Ireland’s second largest export market for trade in goods, behind only the United States. At an economic level, our relationship is wide-ranging, resilient and dynamic; Irish companies, with a presence in Germany, employ some 38,000 people. Germany’s support was also crucial in dealing with the consequences of Brexit and this is something which I will acknowledge and express appreciation for during my meeting with Foreign Minister Baerbock.

“I also look forward to exchanging perspectives with Minister Baerbock on foreign policy issues, and discussing the EU’s responses to developments in the Middle East and Ukraine. The EU’s foreign policy is guided by promotion of international law and consideration of how best we can meaningfully contribute to this will be at the heart of all of our discussions today.

“I will of course raise our deep concern regarding the events we are witnessing in Gaza and I will discuss how we can best advance towards an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, urgent and effective humanitarian access as well as the protection of civilians. This meeting will be an opportunity to work with Germany on building momentum in the international community to contribute to meaningful peace efforts.

“We have both been unequivocal and steadfast in our support for the people and Government of Ukraine following Russia’s invasion. Germany is one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters in terms of finance and equipment and this is something the German people should be proud of, as such support has been a vital lifeline for Ukraine. As we approach the tenth anniversary of Russia’s forcible annexation of Ukrainian territory and the second anniversary of its full-scale invasion, both Germany and Ireland are committed to working closely with our EU partners, to ensure Ukraine gets the support it so urgently needs.”