Tánaiste Martin to attend informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Stockholm

Press release

On 12 and 13 May, Micheál Martin TD, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, will attend an informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Stockholm.

The meeting, known as the ‘Gymnich’, is being hosted by Sweden, the current holders of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. 

The informal meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers will present an opportunity to consider the EU’s response to Russia’s continued military aggression against Ukraine, as well as EU-China relations. EU Foreign Ministers will also meet with Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, as well as a range of counterparts from the Indo-Pacific region.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Tánaiste said:

“This meeting is a good opportunity to discuss Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine, and to explore what further steps can be taken by the EU to support the Ukrainian Government and people. It is important that we continue to take practical steps and act strategically in our support for Ukraine and in our efforts to deter Russia from pursuing its illegal invasion. Our meeting with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister will be an important opportunity to update and exchange on this.”

On EU-China relations, the Tánaiste said:

“It is timely that the EU holds a discussion in relation to our engagement with China. I spoke last week about the importance of a clear-eyed approach regarding China’s strategic objectives, and about what these might mean for the EU and Ireland, and this will be an opportunity to discuss this and I look forward to our exchanges.“

ENDS
Press Office
11 May 2023

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