Brendan Smith
Question:177. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at the recent Foreign Affairs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12615/17]
View answerThursday, 9 March 2017
Questions (177)
Written answers
I attended the recent Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels on the 6th March where the Implementation of the EU Global Strategy, the Western Balkans, Egypt, the Middle East Peace Process, migration, and the Democratic Republic of Congo were on the agenda. EU Foreign Ministers met in joint session with our defence colleagues to discuss progress since the December European Council on implementation of the security and defence elements of the EU Global Strategy. I was pleased to be joined by Minister Paul Kehoe for this discussion. In particular, we discussed how to step up the Union’s efforts to counter instability in the European Neighbourhood and beyond. The Global Strategy envisages a comprehensive approach using political, diplomatic, economic development cooperation, governance capacity building and peace support instruments in a coherent way. Improving the EU’s capacity, through the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), to contribute to international peace and security, particularly in support of the UN, is an important part of that work. High Representative Mogherini briefed the Council on her recent trip to the Western Balkans. Ministers reaffirmed the need for continued EU engagement with the region. There are worrying signs of instability in a number of these countries and the EU has a lead responsibility to assist these countries on their path to peace and stability.
My EU counterparts and I had an informal discussion on Egypt with the Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. Following that discussion, I had a bilateral meeting with Minister Shoukry where I conveyed directly my concerns about Irish citizen, Ibrahim Halawa. In particular, I emphasised my concern for Ibrahim’s health and welfare during his incarceration and the strong desire of the Irish government and the Irish Parliament to see Ibrahim returned to Ireland.
EU Foreign Ministers had a general exchange of views on the Middle East Peace Process, in particular in light of a number of recent developments - settlement expansion, the recent Legalisation Act; and other issues.
The Council also adopted conclusions on the Democratic Republic of Congo, and had a short discussion on migration, Ukraine and Yemen.
As we move closer to the triggering of Article 50, it is more important than ever that the Government maintains engagement with our EU partners, to ensure that our priorities are heard and understood across Europe. In the margins of the Council, I had bilateral meetings with my Danish and German counterparts where I discussed Ireland’s situation in relation to Brexit, in particular with regard to Northern Ireland, the Common Travel area and our trade situation. While we all have some common concerns, Ireland is in a unique situation. Both Ministers were understanding of Ireland’s unique challenges and I am pleased that both have accepted my invitation to visit Ireland.