Press release
Minister Coveney attends Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
On 20 June, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney, will attend a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg.
EU Foreign Ministers are expected to discuss Russia’s continuing aggression against Ukraine and will assess the geopolitical impact of the conflict, including how the EU can best address the global food security crisis that the war has exacerbated.
The Foreign Affairs Council will also discuss developments in the Horn of Africa, with a particular focus on the situation in Ethiopia. Ministers will also hold an informal exchange with the Foreign Minister of Egypt, which is expected to include discussions on preparations for COP27.
Speaking ahead of the discussion on Russian aggression against Ukraine, Minister Coveney said:
"The EU’s support for Ukraine remains resolute in the face of Russia’s continued illegal war. Our discussions at the Foreign Affairs Council will allow us to assess the ongoing attrition in Ukraine and to consider the broader geopolitical impact of the war. Ireland is gravely concerned about the worsening global food insecurity situation, which is being exacerbated by Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
"While the EU is not the cause of the global food crisis, the EU stands ready to do its utmost to address it.
"Ireland welcomes the publication of the Commission opinion on the EU candidacy of Ukraine and we are confident that the European Council will provide a clear signal of hope to the people and Government of Ukraine later this week about their place in the European family."
The Minister commented on Ethiopia:
"The ongoing crisis in Ethiopia continues to have a devastating impact across northern Ethiopia, in particular in Tigray. Notwithstanding some recent progress, responding to the acute humanitarian crisis must remain our priority and unimpeded humanitarian access and the restoration of essential services continues to be a critical and urgent requirement.
"Ireland fully supports the ongoing mediation work of African Union Special Envoy Olusegun Obasanjo and encourages engagement by all sides in his efforts to secure a lasting negotiated settlement and durable cessation of hostilities."