The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, welcomed over 90 members of the diplomatic corps to Dublin Castle this afternoon (Monday). The annual gathering takes place on the occasion of the National Day of Commemoration, the State ceremony which the diplomatic corps also attends. This year the ceremony took place in Collins Barracks, Cork on Sunday 9 July. The gathering in Dublin Castle is an opportunity for Ambassadors to meet the Tánaiste and for him to address them on key foreign policy priorities.
The Tánaiste took the opportunity to speak to assembled Ambassadors and Heads of International Organisations about Ireland’s current foreign policy priorities including Ireland’s unequivocal and steadfast support for the people and Government of Ukraine and our commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based international order.
In advance of his visit to South Africa and Mozambique next week, the Tánaiste spoke in detail about Ireland’s close relationship with Africa, the importance of Africa in Europe’s future and how the development of Europe and the development of Africa will be linked, inextricably, in that shared future.
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, His Excellency Archbishop Montemayor, the Apostolic Nuncio, delivered remarks in response, on behalf of the diplomatic corps, ending with a toast to the President and People of Ireland.
The Tánaiste said: “I am very pleased to have this opportunity today to meet with over 90 Ambassadors, Chargés d’affaires and Heads of International Organisations. This is an important opportunity to highlight a number of foreign policy priorities and to meet representatives from a wide range of States and International Organisations accredited to Ireland.”
This annual occasion, which follows the National Day of Commemoration, is an opportunity to invite Ambassadors and Heads of International Organisations, including non-resident Ambassadors based outside Ireland, to share this national commemorative moment with us.
