Minister Byrne meets with French Armed Forces Minister Alice Rufo
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From: Department of Defence
- Published on: 29 April 2026
- Last updated on: 29 April 2026
Minister of State at the Department of Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, today (29 April) met with French Minister Delegate to the Armed Forces, Alice Rufo, for discussions on Ireland’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, UN peacekeeping and the role of UNIFIL, and Franco-Irish cooperation.
Both Ministers exchanged views on the deteriorating international security situation in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Lebanon. Their discussion on UNIFIL focused on the safety and security of peacekeepers, serving in Southern Lebanon, and on supporting peace and stability in the region more generally.
Minister Byrne took the opportunity to express his, and the Government of Ireland’s condolences, to Minister Rufo on the recent deaths of two French peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL, and reiterated Ireland’s commitment to the Mission.
On EU Presidency priorities, Minister Byrne confirmed that security will be one of the three central pillars of Ireland’s EU Presidency, in the second half of 2026, and reaffirmed Ireland’s strong support for EU initiatives to strengthen defence resilience.
The Irish and French Ministers welcomed the strong and deepening defence relationship between Ireland and France and agreed to continue close coordination at EU and international level.
Both Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhanced EU security and defence cooperation, including maritime security, support for Ukraine, and collaboration ahead of Ireland’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Minister Byrne said:
“I was very glad to meet with Minister Rufo today to discuss our shared commitment to international peace and security, and the strong defence relationship, between Ireland and France. We exchanged views on the volatile security situation in Lebanon, with a particular focus on the safety of peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL, and I reiterated Ireland’s condolences to France following the recent loss of two French peacekeepers.
“As Ireland prepares for its Presidency of the Council of the EU, I also welcomed the opportunity to reaffirm Ireland’s strong support for enhanced EU security and defence cooperation.”