Matt Carthy
Question:29. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his engagements with the Ukrainian government. [28850/23]
View answerThursday, 15 June 2023
Questions (29)
Written answers
I maintain regular contact with the Ukrainian Government, both through the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland, and directly with my counterpart in Kyiv, Minister Kuleba.
In January of this year I had an introductory phone call with Minister Kuleba. We discussed a number of issues regarding Ireland’s support to Ukraine, including the prospects for a just and sustainable peace, accountability for Russian aggression, EU sanctions, and Ireland’s ongoing support to Ukraine. I also met with Minister Kuleba in person at the Munich Security Conference in February, where we continued these discussions. Minister Kuleba has also regularly attended the monthly meetings of EU Foreign Ministers and participated at the "Gymnich" informal meeting in Stockholm in May. His participation in these meetings has ensured that Ukraine remains at the very top of the EU’s agenda and we maintain consistent engagement with the Ukrainian Government on many vital issues.
I will be attending the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London next week, which the Ukrainian Government is co-hosting with the British Government. This conference will bring together senior representatives from the international community, International Financial Institutions, the private sector and civil society, to support Ukraine in its recovery and reconstruction efforts. It comes at a vital time, in the wake of the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, and as Ukraine continues to withstand an immense scale of damage and losses resulting from continued Russian aggression. I will deliver Ireland’s national statement at the conference and will be engaging with the Ukrainian Government, our EU and international partners, as well as private sector partners, as we look to further support Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.
I have also had the opportunity to meet with the Ambassador of Ukraine, Larysa Gerasko, on several occasions. In March, I spoke at the large-scale event in O'Connell Street in Dublin, organised by the Ukrainian Embassy and the Ukrainian community group, Ukrainian Action, to mark the one-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion back in February. This event sent an important signal of Ireland’s continued solidarity and commitment.
My Department also has regular engagement with Ukraine through multiple channels. My officials are in regular contact with Ambassador Gerasko and the Ukrainian Embassy in Ireland on a range of bilateral issues. The Ambassador of Ireland to Ukraine, along with her dedicated team of colleagues Kyiv, are also working hard on the ground to strengthen bilateral ties and ensure that Ireland continues to play a role in ensuring that Ukraine has the necessary political and humanitarian support it requires.