Remarks by Taoiseach Micheál Martin at EU-AU Summit, Luanda, Angola

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Let me begin by expressing my thanks to President Gonçalves Lourenço for hosting us here in Luanda. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on Angola’s 50th anniversary of independence.

I wish to thank Chairman Ali Youssouf, President Costa, and President von der Leyen, for their valuable contribution to the success of this Summit.

Multilateralism is core to Ireland’s foreign policy. We are firmly committed to a strong, rules-based multilateral system. The UN sits at the heart of the multilateral system and is the cornerstone of the international rules-based order.

Yet this system is under threat.

In conflicts on the African and European continents, we have seen many examples of blatant disregard for the rule of law, clear breaches of principles of the UN Charter, and international humanitarian law.

However, I am strongly of the view that despite these serious challenges, this is not the time to resile from multilateralism or to retreat to narrow national interests but to double down on the importance of multilateralism to address the many and interconnected challenges we face globally.

History teaches that nationalism and protectionism does not work and that only by working together can we find sustainable and inclusive solutions to the problems that our citizens face.

Instead of turning our back on multilateralism, which may sometimes seem the easiest course of action, we must be prepared to work harder and redouble our efforts to make the system more responsive and effective.

I acknowledge that there is a clear need to reinvigorate the multilateral system. Ireland is a strong supporter of UN reform efforts.

The launch of the UN80 initiative by the UN Secretary General presents opportunities to deliver on overdue reforms. However, for Ireland, it is imperative that reform must strengthen and not substitute multilateralism.

A strong and fair rules-based multilateral order, led by the UN, remains our best option to address the multitude of threats we face today. The principles of the UN Charter and the protections of international law are essential for our security and well-being.

When it comes to reform, Ireland strongly believes that the result must be a multilateral system that is accountable, that eliminates duplication and strengthens cooperation.

Most importantly, it is essential to deliver on the ground results for those most in need.

We have been clear on the need to increase the size of the Security Council. Many areas of the world are insufficiently, or not, represented. The under-representation of Africa in particular must be addressed.

At a time of unprecedented challenges to the multilateral framework, it is essential we continue to build our partnerships. Together, we must uphold and strengthen the institutions and the foundation of international law which, while imperfect, have served us well.

It is in this spirit that Ireland is seeking membership of the Human Rights Council for the period 2027 – 2029 when the election takes place in October next.

Our approach to membership is driven by our long-standing commitment to uphold human rights and the values enshrined in the UN Charter and the UN Declaration on Human Rights.

It also reflects our commitment to inclusion, dignity and protection for marginalised groups, prioritising reaching the “Furthest Behind First” as set out in our Policy for International Development, A Better World.

International Financial Institutions, such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank, play a crucial role in addressing these global challenges and ending poverty.

Ireland has been consistent in our efforts to work with these institutions on reform efforts to increase overall levels of development financing.

In Ireland, our overarching priority is to ensure that the focus of Multilateral Development Banks remains on reaching the furthest behind first by tackling extreme poverty, building resilience to climate change, and staying engaged in fragile and conflicted settings.

We know that gender equality is critical for inclusive economic growth. There is very clear evidence that gender equality is not just a human rights issue but supports economic growth so makes sound economic sense.

Regional cooperation is a vital contributor to effective multilateralism.

Ireland is a proud member of the European Union for more than 50 years. EU membership has been at the heart of Ireland’s development and transformation into a modern, open and innovative economy and closer integration with our European partners has been very beneficial.

The EU, the largest peace process is history, can therefore act as a point of reference for other regions around the world looking to work more closely together in the interests of peace, stability and prosperity.

The African Union is a vital partner for the EU as we work towards a revitalised, robust and effective multilateral system. In that context, Ireland supports strong AU-EU cooperation. I am proud to work constructively and collaboratively with African and EU partners here in Luanda to support Africa’s development priorities.

To conclude, in Ireland’s view, the success of this Summit will be measured by its outcomes and messages. For Ireland, a strong message on the respect of the rules-based international order and multilateralism is essential.

Thank you.

ENDS