Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2017
187. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline his views on the rising tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48062/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran are a matter of deep concern, especially given the potential for this to impact more broadly on the region. I call on all concerned to work to de-escalate tensions, and to resolve disagreements peacefully. Both Iran and Saudi Arabia are significant players in the Middle East region, a region where leadership in promoting peace is very much needed. This is a richly diverse region, where many peoples and religions have long histories, and where communities have shown that peaceful co-existence is possible among peoples who have different religions, languages and cultures. However, after more than six years of war in Syria, over two years of war in Yemen, and the struggle to defeat Da’esh in Iraq as well as Syria, the toll of conflict on civilians in this region has been devastating. The long-running nature of these conflicts show the pitfalls of seeking to resolve differences by military means exclusively. At the Foreign Affairs Council in October 2017, the EU reiterated that it stands ready to actively promote and support initiatives to ensure a more stable, peaceful and secure regional environment. The Iran nuclear deal has shown the way forward, pointing to how patient diplomacy can defuse tensions, and produce win-win solutions.
It is in the best interests of the people of the region that neighbouring countries find a way to de-escalate tensions, to resolve differences peacefully, and to build positive cooperation. In the most recent meetings between my officials and the Embassies in Ireland of both Iran and Saudi Arabia, Ireland’s concerns about regional tensions were raised, and my officials stressed the importance of peaceful resolution of all disputes.
