Charles Flanagan
Question:32 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received a request from Colonel Ghadaffi of Libya to open an office or embassy in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12643/00]
Written Answers. - Diplomatic Representation.
Following the very successful meeting between the Taoiseach and Colonel Ghadaffi in Cairo in April, during which they discussed a detailed review of bilateral relations between Ireland and Libya, I visited Libya last week for meetings with the Libyan Foreign Minister, Mr. Abdul Shalgam. During our discussions we reached an agreement to lift the ban on exports of live cattle from Ireland to Libya that had been in place since 1996. It was agreed that Ireland would forthwith be officially listed as a source country for all tenders opened by Libya for the supply of live cattle. This agreement is a major step in our developing relationship and the reopening of this major export market follows long and intensive work by the Taoiseach, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and me, and the officials concerned.
In the course of our discussions the Libyan side expressed full support for the Northern Ireland peace process and for the efforts of the Irish Government to secure justice, equality and a lasting settlement of the political situation there.
It was also agreed that in further developing and promoting bilateral relations between our two countries, we would establish permanent diplomatic missions in each others countries at ambassadorial level. The timing of this is to be decided.