Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney, T.D. will attend a meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers in Brussels on Monday, 22 February 2021.
Ministers are expected to discuss a range of foreign policy issues including recent developments in Myanmar, Ethiopia, the Sahel, Iran, Hong Kong and Russia. Ministers will also have an exchange of views on the EU’s Strategic Compass initiative. The Council will also host a videoconference discussion with United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.
Minister Coveney will also hold a bilateral meeting with EU HR/VP Josep Borrell, in which they will discuss issues relevant to Ireland’s membership of the UN Security Council.
Speaking before the meeting of the Council, Minister Coveney said:
“I look forward to our exchange with Secretary of State Blinken. This discussion will be an important opportunity to discuss how we can best operationalise our mutual commitment to strengthening the Transatlantic relationship and work together to address global challenges.
“Our discussion of the situation in Tigray comes at an important juncture. Ireland remains deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia, including the urgent humanitarian situation, and supports the EU’s call for the withdrawal of Eritrean troops from Ethiopia.
“The EU has consistently made clear its approach on the detention of Alexei Navalny as well as the territorial integrity of Ukraine. In spite of this however, we continue to see concerning actions on the part of Russia. Ireland will work with fellow Member States to develop a unified approach in our relations with Russia.”
ENDS
Press Office
21 February 2021
