Statement by Tánaiste following meeting with Johann Wadephul, German Foreign Minister

It was a pleasure to meet with my German colleague, Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul today in Berlin.

It was a substantive meeting involving a valuable exchange with a vital European partner for Ireland.

We discussed the strength of our bilateral relationship, as demonstrated by the joint plans of action between Germany and Ireland implemented by successive Governments on both sides since 2018, and our mutual priorities at an European and international level, particularly as two countries with significant transatlantic political and trade relationships.

I condemn Russia’s brutal air attacks across Ukraine last night. These are not the actions of a country interested in peace. Ireland and Germany share a commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s escalating attacks and to keeping pressure on Russia to end its brutal war of aggression. An important long-term guarantee we can offer to Ukraine is membership of the European Union. I outlined the priority we place on making progress on Ukraine’s accession, including during our Presidency next year.

We exchanged views on the developments across the Middle East, including the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. I urge all involved to redouble efforts to secure agreement on a ceasefire, the release of hostages and to get vitally-needed humanitarian aid into Gaza at scale. We also discussed the concerning situation in the West Bank, the review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, and the need for a political pathway towards implementation of the two State solution. We discussed the situation in Iran and the hope that a negotiated outcome can be found to address concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme.

As Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union approaches, now less than a year away, it was valuable to have substantive exchanges with Minister Wadephul on EU priorities that will be of significance during our Presidency, including the Multiannual Financial Framework, Enlargement, and Competitiveness. Germany is a key partner for Ireland, politically and economically, and I look forward to working further with Minister Wadephul on the European stage and in international fora.