Irish Foreign Minister Visits Saudi Arabia, UAE to Boost Ties

Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee is currently on a diplomatic visit to the Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, following an initial stop in Qatar. The trip focuses on deepening bilateral relations and exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation.

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Ireland’s partnership with Saudi Arabia spans more than 50 years and is underpinned by strong people-to-people links.

In Saudi Arabia, McEntee is scheduled to meet with her counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Their discussions are expected to cover the 50-year-old partnership between Ireland and Saudi Arabia, regional issues such as the situation in the Gulf, Lebanon, and the Middle East peace process. The minister expressed particular interest in meeting accomplished Saudi women, including graduates of Irish universities, to learn about the country's social and economic transformation and Ireland's contribution.

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I look forward to discussing our growing relationship with foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, alongside regional developments, including the situation in the Gulf, Lebanon and the Middle East peace process.

McEntee's itinerary also includes a visit to the UAE, where she will hold talks with foreign trade minister Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi. Key topics will include expanding trade, investment, and business links between Ireland and the UAE. The minister highlighted the significant Irish diaspora residing in the UAE and its importance as one of Ireland's closest economic partners in the Gulf region.

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The UAE is home to one of the largest Irish communities in the region and is one of Ireland’s closest economic partners in the Gulf.

During her stop in Qatar, Minister McEntee met with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Foreign Affairs Minister Sultan Al Muraikhi. Discussions there centered on regional peace and security, Ireland's role in supporting stability, and strengthening economic ties. A memorandum of understanding on political consultations was signed, marking a step towards deepening Ireland's relationship with Qatar. McEntee emphasized that global instability, as seen in recent events in the Gulf, has tangible consequences at home, underscoring the importance of strong international partnerships for Ireland's prosperity and security.

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In my meeting with Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi, I look forward to exploring new opportunities to expand trade, investment and business links between our countries.