Jim O'Callaghan
Question:145. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any recent engagement with the United States Secretary of State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33703/21]
View answerThursday, 24 June 2021
Questions (145)
Written answers
Strengthening bilateral relations with the US is a priority for Ireland as set out in our Programme for Government as well in our Strategy for the US and Canada (2019-2025). Ireland has always maintained close relations with the US and will continue to do so, including through our Embassy in Washington D.C., our other diplomatic Missions across the US and through the US Embassy in Dublin. This Government has had a range of high level contacts with President Biden's Administration since it entered office. This includes the Taoiseach's meetings with President Biden and Vice President Harris, among others, on St. Patrick's day.
I have spoken with my US counterpart, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on a number of occasions since he took office. Most recently, on 24 May, I met separately with both Secretary Blinken and with National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, in Shannon. These meetings were a useful opportunity to discuss important foreign policy issues such as the Middle East Peace Process and Iran, Syria, Belarus, EU–US relations and cyber issues. We also discussed Northern Ireland and the Protocol, as well as bilateral relations and travel between Ireland and the United States.
I also spoke with Secretary Blinken on 13 February, shortly after President Biden's Administration entered office, when I took the opportunity to congratulate him on his new role.
I have been very glad to see a number of contacts between President Biden's Administration and the EU, including last week's EU-US Summit in Brussels. For his part, Secretary Blinken attended a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 22 February where the importance of the transatlantic relationship and the scope for enhanced cooperation on a host of issues were discussed.
Looking ahead, the Government will continue to maintain close relations with the US Administration, Members of Congress, across the aisle, and contacts from across the political spectrum. This engagement extends to our contacts at federal, state, city and local levels.