Foreign Affairs Minister travels to Saudi Arabia

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, Press Association

The Foreign Affairs Minister will meet her Saudi Arabian counterpart on Tuesday as part of a visit to the Gulf states.

Helen McEntee is travelling to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after beginning the diplomatic trip in Qatar.

She will meet Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, before travelling to the UAE for talks with foreign trade minister Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi.

McEntee said she was looking forward to meeting accomplished Saudi women and noted that the UAE had a large Irish diaspora.

“Ireland’s partnership with Saudi Arabia spans more than 50 years and is underpinned by strong people-to-people links,” she said.

“I look forward to discussing our growing relationship with foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, alongside regional developments, including the situation in the Gulf, Lebanon and the Middle East peace process.

“I am particularly looking forward to meeting accomplished Saudi women, including graduates of Irish universities, and hearing first hand about the country’s social and economic transformation and the contribution Irish expertise is making.

“The UAE is home to one of the largest Irish communities in the region and is one of Ireland’s closest economic partners in the Gulf.

“In my meeting with Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi, I look forward to exploring new opportunities to expand trade, investment and business links between our countries.”

On Monday, McEntee met Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and foreign affairs minister Sultan Al Muraikhi.

The discussions focused on regional peace and security, the role Ireland and the EU can play in supporting stability, and strengthening the growing economic relationship between Ireland and Qatar.

“It was a pleasure to meet members of the Irish community in Qatar and hear about their lives and experiences,” McEntee said.

“They make an important contribution both here and in strengthening the relationship between Ireland and Qatar.

“I was pleased to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani to discuss how we can further strengthen political and economic ties.

“Qatar continues to play an important role in efforts to promote dialogue and stability across the region, and I welcomed the opportunity to exchange views on these issues.

“I was also delighted to sign a memorandum of understanding on political consultations, an important step in deepening Ireland’s relationship with Qatar.”

McEntee added: “Recent events in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz are a reminder that global instability has real consequences at home.

“Ireland’s prosperity and security depend on strong international partnerships, which is why engagement in this region matters.

“This visit is about deepening our relationships with key partners, supporting international efforts for peace and stability, and creating new opportunities for trade, investment and cooperation.”