Minister of State Seán Fleming delivers national statement in New York

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Seán Fleming, travelled to New York on 22-23 February for a series of engagements at the United Nations to mark the two year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February.

Delivering Ireland’s national statement to the United Nations General Assembly Minister Fleming said: >“Russia’s actions are a threat to each and every one of us; and to the foundations of the international-rules based system upon which this United Nations is built.

“That is why Ireland, the European Union and so many UN Member States present here today, have taken decisive action in response to Russia’s aggression. We will continue to do whatever it takes; because we understand what is at stake, not just for Ukraine or for Europe, but for the global community of nations.”

Ahead of a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine, Minister Fleming joined Ministers from across the EU in a joint statement delivered by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. The group of Ministers called on Russia to stop its war of aggression against Ukraine and ensure the full, immediate and unconditional withdrawal from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.

Minister Fleming also met with key UN partners involved in the humanitarian response in Ukraine and attended a discussion event on the critical issue of the return of Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred to the Russian Federation and territories under Russian military control.

While in New York, Minister Fleming met with members of the local Irish community, including 60 J1 students and prospective employers at the launch of the Graduate Gateway programme. This new initiative is designed to connect Irish graduates with job opportunities in the New York tri-state area and has been spearheaded by recipients of funding from the government’s Emigrant Support Programme.

Minister Fleming also visited the Emerald Isle Immigration Centre, where he viewed the progress being made on the ongoing extension and refurbishment project. Speaking after his visit, Minister Fleming said:

“I was delighted to visit the Emerald Isle Immigration Centre to see first-hand the great work that they do.

“I got the opportunity to see the progress being made on the renovation and expansion work. When finished, it will enable the centre to provide an even better service to the Irish community that they already serve so well.

“The Irish Government is pleased to be in a position to support the work of the Emerald Isle Immigration Centre through the Emigrant Support Programme, and I look forward to many more years of close partnership."