Joe Flaherty
Question:151. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent visit to the United Nations in New York; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15328/22]
View answerThursday, 24 March 2022
Questions (151)
Written answers
I travelled to the United States for on 7th March for a series of bilateral and UN Security Council engagements in New York. Over the course of the two-day visit, I met with senior UN officials, foreign policy organisations, and representatives from the local Irish American community.
On 8th March, International Women's Day, I participated in a UN Security Council open debate on the theme of Women, Peace and Security. Ireland has made Women, Peace and Security a priority of our Security Council membership. We co-chair, with Mexico, the Informal Working Group on Women, Peace and Security and we formed, together with Kenya and Mexico, a WPS Presidency Trio which committed to making the WPS Agenda a central focus.
I also, in my intervention, condemned the Russian Federation in the strongest terms for its decision to launch an unprovoked, unjustified and illegal attack, violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and creating a terrible catastrophe in Europe. I then took the opportunity to highlight the grim reality currently facing women and girls in Ukraine and Afghanistan in particular and I stressed the responsibility of the international community to uphold the rights of all women at risk due to conflict.
I met with the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres, who was complimentary about Ireland's active and effective role on the Security Council, and he thanked me for the constant cooperation and support across a range of initiatives including WPS, Human Rights issues, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Our discussion was focussed on Ukraine and the need for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe. The Secretary General noted that Russia’s actions have violated the UN Charter and International Law. We agreed that the scale of the humanitarian and refugee crisis was at a level not seen in Europe for many years and also noted the effect that the war will have on global food and energy supplies.
While at the UN, I also met with the President of the General Assembly, Mr. Abdulla Shahid. In our brief discussion, I thanked the President for his role in convening the Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly which adopted, by an overwhelming majority of 141 in favour to just 5 against, resolution A/ES-11/L.1 demanding that the Russian Federation immediately end its invasion of Ukraine and unconditionally withdraw all its military forces. We also discussed other efforts to end the crisis. Lastly, we touched upon Ireland’s strong commitment to Climate action and to other priority areas of the UNGA agenda.
While in New York, I also undertook a number of engagements with influential foreign policy organisations. I addressed the Council on Foreign Relations on Europe’s response to the invasion of Ukraine. I outlined the position taken by Ireland, underlining the need for strong international cooperation in support of the international rules based order, now more than ever.
There is a keen interest in the United States on the implications Brexit will have for the island of Ireland, North and South. My visit included an exchange with the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, which was mainly focused on Brexit developments and the importance of stabilising the Northern Ireland Protocol. I also participated in a roundtable discussion with representatives of Irish America on the Good Friday Agreement, reconciliation and legacy issues.
In addition to political meetings, I had the chance to meet with members of the Ireland Funds and to reiterate the strength and importance of our relationship with the US, underpinned by longstanding diaspora and business links, which will be key as both countries look towards recovery following the global pandemic.
This visit to New York came at an important time for Ireland, the United States, and the larger international community, and reinforced the commitment this Government has to the maintenance of international peace and security.
Question No. 152 answered with Question No. 109.