Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:129. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on relations between Ireland and Turkey; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48134/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 24 June 2026
Ceisteanna (129)
Freagraí scríofa
Bilateral relations between Ireland and Türkiye are positive and constructive. Türkiye opened a resident Embassy in Dublin in 1973, with Ireland establishing an Embassy in Ankara in 1999. While 2026 marks 75 years of diplomatic relations between both countries, relations can be traced back to the 1840’s, with the Ottoman Empire providing financial aid to Ireland during the Great Famine. Our relationship has matured to include many dynamic linkages and connections in the areas of trade, culture and tourism. The sizeable Turkish community in Ireland further represents a strong living connection, enriching Irish society and making a positive contribution to our economy.
The relationship between Ireland and Türkiye has matured to include many dynamic linkages and connections in the areas of trade, culture and tourism. Commercial ties have expanded over the past decade. Ireland’s total goods exports to Türkiye increased during the 2020-2025 period, from €662 million to €866 million. Ireland’s goods imports from Türkiye increased significantly over the same timeframe, rising from €616 million to €1.26 billion. Ireland’s total services exports to Türkiye in 2024 were €3.4 billion. Türkiye is a popular destination for Irish tourists with 196,000 visitors in 2024. Direct flights are provided by five airlines.
Türkiye further represents an important partner for Ireland regarding the Middle East Peace Process. We share many similar perspectives and a strong commitment to the two-State solution. Ireland and Türkiye enjoyed excellent cooperation as Co-Chairs of the Working Group on Preserving the Viability of the Two-State Solution during the UN High Level Conference in 2025. Ireland also recognises the role played by Türkiye following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including through Türkiye hosting talks and its Coalition of the Willing membership. Following the recent interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, Türkiye facilitated the safe passage of 14 Irish citizens from Israel to Türkiye.
Recent political engagement includes An Tánaiste Simon Harris, T.D., meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan at the G20 summit in Johannesburg in February 2025, before hosting Minister Fidan in Ireland for a working lunch in August 2025. Strong parliamentary relations exist, with an Ireland-Türkiye Parliamentary Friendship Group re-established by the Oireachtas in the summer of 2025. A similar group exists in the Turkish Parliament. The then Ceann Comhairle visited Ankara on an official visit in July 2024. Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, T.D., participated in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in April of this year. His visit served both as an opportunity to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations and to meet with his counterpart, Deputy Foreign Minister Bozay.
Ireland fully supports the EU having a close and productive relationship with Türkiye which remains an EU candidate country. For Ireland, accession criteria, particularly in respect of fundamental EU values, have always been crucially important. We support accession for all candidate countries that meet the necessary criteria. 2026 is a particularly significant year, with Ireland assuming the EU Presidency, and Türkiye hosting COP31 in November coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.