Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2022
37. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he raised issues relating to the human rights record of the Government of Saudi Arabia during his visit to that country in November 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7064/22]
View answer60. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the issues that were discussed with members of the Saudi Arabian Government during his visit to the country in November 2021; the matters that were agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7065/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 60 together.
I visited Saudi Arabia from 13 – 15 November 2021 as part of an Enterprise Ireland-led trade mission to the Gulf. I held a number of meetings in Saudi Arabia including the Saudi Minister for Commerce, the Saudi Minister for Investment, and the Saudi Minister for Transport. I also had meetings with the President of the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation as well as the Governor and Board of the Saudi Central Bank.
While in Saudi Arabia, I had discussions on the social and economic transformation which is underway, as part of the Saudi government’s Vision 2030. This aims to diversify the Saudi economy, encourage greater personal freedoms, and deepen Saudi Arabia’s engagement with regional and international partners which include the European Union. I also discussed the strong partnerships between Irish and Saudi Arabian companies in the key sectors of: Equine, Agritech / Food Production, ICT / Fintech Construction / Engineering, Healthcare, Higher Education and Aviation.
Protecting and promoting human rights is a cornerstone of Ireland’s foreign policy, as it is for the European Union. Ireland is committed to all aspects of human rights, and encourages adherence to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in both bilateral dialogues, and in appropriate international fora.
