Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2024
130. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of his recent discussions with Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP; the plans for future meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30735/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was pleased to have my first call with Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP on Friday 5 July following his appointment to the role earlier that afternoon.
I congratulated the Foreign Secretary on the Labour party's success in the elections and on his appointment. The focus of our call was on both the bilateral relationship and international issues.
Reflecting on the breadth of relations between our two countries, we agreed that there is now a significant opportunity for a reset of the bilateral relationship. We agreed, in particular, on the vital importance of the two Governments working in partnership as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement in order to safeguard peace and promote prosperity for people across these islands,
The Foreign Secretary and I also exchanged views on a range of foreign policy issues. This included the conflict in Gaza, which we agreed must end, and our continued shared support for Ukraine.
I very much welcome this positive early engagement with the Foreign Secretary. Both he and I agreed on the importance of now finding an early date to meet in-person. There is much for us to discuss, including the importance of EU-UK relations as a positive context for bilateral relations. I look forward to working closely with the new Foreign Secretary and his Government colleagues over the period ahead.
