Minister of State Burke to attend Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels

Press release

On 20 March, Peter Burke TD, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, will attend a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, which will include a joint meeting of Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers.

The Council will hold an exchange on Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine, following an update on the situation on the ground by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Ministers will also discuss recent developments in Tunisia, Iran and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Speaking ahead of the exchange on Russian aggression against Ukraine, Minister of State Burke said:

“Ireland and the EU continue to stand firmly with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, and I look forward to a briefing by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba on the situation on the ground. This meeting provides an opportunity to discuss next steps, including on sanctions, accountability and global food security, ahead of the European Council meeting later this week.”

On the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, the Minister of State said “Ireland is deeply concerned by recent developments on the ground, including the high number of casualties so far this year. Today’s meeting provides an opportunity to discuss the situation and the steps the EU can take in response.”

ENDS

Press Office

20 March 2023

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