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The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD is in Rome today (Friday), Saint Patrick’s Day for a series of official engagements including a bilateral meeting with Italy’s Foreign Minister, Angelino Alfano. The future of the EU and Ireland's priorities for the Brexit negotiations are high on the agenda for discussion.

Speaking in advance of the meeting Minister Flanagan said:

"I am delighted to once again have this opportunity to meet my Italian colleague Angelino Alfano, and to impress upon him the critical issues at stake for Ireland in the Brexit negotiations and to be updated on Italy's perspective. This meeting is timely as we approach the UK’s triggering of Article 50 and I look forward to further discussions on Ireland's concerns and priorities including our trade concerns.

"Coming here directly from political talks in Northern Ireland, I am pleased to have an opportunity to update Minister Alfano on political developments in Northern Ireland and to impress on him again the importance of protecting the Good Friday Agreement, the Peace Process and the open border on our island.
　　
"As we approach the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, Minister Alfano and I will also have an opportunity to discuss our country's respective priorities for the EU in the time ahead."

While in Rome Minister Flanagan will visit the Irish College and address St Patrick’s Day receptions at the Irish Embassies.

The Minister will also travel to the Vatican for talks with Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.