Meeting between the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin T.D., and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Turkey, Dr. Ahmet Davutoğlu

An Roinn Gnóthaí Eachtracha               Preas Ráiteas

Department of Foreign Affairs                Press Release

Preas Oifig, Teach Uibh Eachach, Faiche Stiabhna, Baile Átha Cliath 2

Press Office, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.

Tel:       353 -1- 478 0822                     Fax:      353 -1- 478 5942 / 475 7476

                    Idirlíon/Internet:  www.dfa.ie                      Ríomh Phost/E-mail: press.office@dfa.ie

Meeting between the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin T.D.

and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Turkey, Dr. Ahmet Davutoğlu

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin, T.D., and Turkish Foreign Minister, Dr. Ahmet Davutoğlu met today in Dublin to discuss a range of bilateral and international issues.  The meeting took place against the backdrop of the official visit later this month to Turkey by President McAleese during which she will honour the memories of Irish soldiers on the 95th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign and be involved in some business promotion events.

At the outset of the meeting, the Minister expressed his sympathy to the Turkish Government and people for the loss of life and destruction caused by the 8 March earthquake in eastern Turkey. 

The Ministers discussed the scope to promote trade in goods and services between Ireland and Turkey, which in 2008 reached €1.27 billion.  Minister Martin expressed his hope that Turkey would find a way to lift their ban on the importation of Irish beef.  The Minister outlined the steps taken by Ireland to eradicate BSE and noted the re-opening of other markets.  Foreign Minister Davutoğlu highlighted growing Turkish investment in Ireland, notably in the Irish Financial Services Centre.

Both Ministers committed to renewed efforts to support the Middle East peace process.  Minister Davutoğlu outlined the constructive role that Turkey is playing in advancing the cause of peaceful resolution of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Caucasus, Afghanistan, and the Western Balkans.  Minister Martin outlined the findings of his recent trip to Gaza. 

Minister Martin briefed on the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty and on current issues on the European agenda.  Discussions also focused on Turkey’s accession to the European Union.  Minister Davutoğlu outlined the progress made on political and economic reforms over the past year and his Government’s plans to accelerate the pace of this reform.  In response, Minister Martin said that Ireland’s approach has been to support EU enlargement generally as a force for political stability and economic development and to the role Turkey will play in this. 

Both Ministers reiterated their support for the work of United Nations Secretary General and his Special Representative in seeking a comprehensive and lasting settlement to the Cyprus issue. 

ENDS+++

Press Office

10 March 2010