Official Engagements

Thursday, 25 January 2024

Questions (20, 26)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

20. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for a report on his visit to Berlin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3215/24]

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26. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on his engagement with the German Federal Foreign Minister; if the humanitarian situation in Gaza was discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3139/24]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 26 together.

I travelled to Berlin last week, where I met with German Federal Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, Minister of State for Europe and Climate, Dr Anna Lührmann, and the Chair and Members of the Bundestag Committee on EU Affairs. I also delivered a keynote address, ‘Navigating Europe: Ireland's Voice in Shaping the Future of the EU”, at the Jacques Delors Centre in the Hertie School of Governance.

My visit comes against a background where bilateral relations between Ireland and Germany have probably never been stronger. There were thirteen Irish Ministerial visits to Germany in 2023, reflecting the importance of the bilateral relationship and the strong economic, political and cultural ties which now exist. The German Minister for European Affairs, Anna Luhrmann, also visited Dublin on 11-12 January 2024 where she met with my colleague, the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Peter Burke.

The Ireland-Germany Joint Plan of Action launched in 2018 has been central in helping to promote the strengthened bilateral relationship. Work is ongoing on a third iteration of the JPOA that will further build on that success. I am delighted that we will further deepen our relations with the establishment of a Consulate General in Munich this summer.

While in Berlin, I had the pleasure to formally launch Zeitgeist Irland 24, a season of Irish arts and culture which will take place across Germany throughout 2024. Zeitgeist Irland is a partnership between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Culture Ireland, is supported by Tourism Ireland, and represents a strategic joint investment of more than €2.5 million to deepen Ireland’s cultural engagement with Germany as a key partner in Europe. The opening concert on 18 January showcased some of the best modern Irish talent and was the first event of a year-long programme.

My meeting with Foreign Minister Baerbock provided a valuable opportunity to discuss both the excellent state of bilateral relations as well as important issues on the EU and international agenda such as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, relations with China, EU Enlargement and Climate Policy. I also updated the Foreign Minister on developments relating to EU-UK relations.

I did of course raise with Foreign Minister Baerbock our deep concern regarding the events we are witnessing in Gaza and discussed how we can best advance towards an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, a significant and sustained increase in humanitarian access, as well as the protection of civilians. This meeting afforded a vital opportunity to raise Ireland’s priorities with Germany to build momentum in the international community to contribute to meaningful peace efforts. We also exchanged on the EU’s response and continued our discussions on this, together with all EU Member States, at the Foreign Affairs Council on 22 Janury.