merrion street

The Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Peter Burke, T.D., will visit Madrid on Tuesday, 7 March to meet with his Spanish counterpart, Pascual Ignacio Navarro Ríos, Secretary of State for the European Union.

While in Madrid, Minister Burke will also meet with Deputy Susana Sumelzo Jordán, Chair of the Spanish Joint Parliamentary Committee on the European Union, and with Irish State Agencies operating in Spain including Tourism Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia. 

A wide range of issues will be discussed during these meetings, including bilateral relations between Spain and Ireland, the upcoming Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU, EU-UK relations, rule of law issues, Ukraine, EU enlargement, engagement with Latin America, energy and climate issues.

Speaking in advance of the visit, Minister Burke said:

“I am delighted to visit Madrid for the first time in my role as Minister for European Affairs and Defence. Ireland enjoys an excellent relationship with Spain, in part, from historical links, as well as cultural affinity. The numbers of Irish citizens resident in Spain, our increasing trade, tourism and education links, and the mutual professional opportunities for citizens of both countries are all very positive.

“This is an excellent opportunity to discuss key EU issues with my Spanish counterpart, Secretary of State Pascual Ignacio Navarro Ríos, ahead of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU later in 2023. We want to continue to grow the friendship between our two countries and to adapt to new opportunities.” 

ENDS