Irish and British foreign ministers to discuss escalating Middle East conflict

The Irish and British foreign ministers are expected to discuss the escalating conflict in the Middle East during their meeting in Dublin later on Thursday.

The deputy Irish premier and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin will host UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Iveagh House in the Irish capital.

Following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Dublin last month, a spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said that Mr Lammy’s visit provides an important opportunity to “underscore the commitment and ambition” of both governments for the British-Irish relationship.

Ahead of the meeting, Mr Martin said: “I am looking forward to welcoming Foreign Secretary David Lammy to Dublin. We share an ambitious agenda for a strengthened bilateral relationship.

“The escalation of the conflict in the Middle East requires immediate and decisive action.

“I also look forward to discussing our continued resolute support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal invasion.”

The department spokesman said the Tanaiste and Foreign Secretary will discuss opportunities to “deepen people to people connections, to drive sustainable economic growth and to support the vitally important trade and investment relationship between the UK and Ireland”.

The pair will also discuss developments in Northern Ireland, “mindful of the role of both Governments as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement”, and will review progress on the EU-UK relationship.

The Foreign Secretary said: “For too long our relationship with Ireland has not delivered to its full potential – but now, together, we are setting out on a new path.

“Ireland is our closest neighbour in many more ways than just geography. Our energy systems, infrastructure, economic markets, culture, sporting pursuits and family trees are deeply intertwined.

“Let’s use this unique connection to strengthen our partnership to help both the UK and Ireland forge a more secure and prosperous future.”

Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, who is leading the work on the EU reset, said: “I’m delighted to be in Dublin today with the Foreign Secretary to discuss how the UK, Ireland and the EU can start to build the stable, positive and forward-looking relationship we need for long-term co-operation.”