Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2017
39. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53909/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI attended the most recent EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on Monday 11 December, where developments in the Middle East, including the Middle East Peace Process, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Libya were discussed.
The Council had a good exchange of views on the Middle East Peace Process and developments in the wider region. We discussed what more the EU can do to promote peaceful solutions to the various challenges facing the region. Ministers discussed the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. I spoke of the need for the EU to look at ways to step up its political engagement in seeking a negotiated solution to the conflict. I outlined that the EU must also redouble its efforts to press for access of humanitarian aid for those in dire need.
Over lunch, I participated in a discussion with Foreign and Development Ministers and the Foreign Ministers of the G5 Sahel countries. Following this, Foreign and Development Ministers had a discussion on the follow up to the EU-AU summit at the end of November. I welcomed the direct EU-AU political engagement which underlines that our relationship with Africa is at a turning point and requires sustained political engagement, with joint ministerial meetings a first step.
