Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe, TD, today (Tuesday) called for improved relations between the European Union and the League of Arab States, ahead of a ministerial meeting between the two groups.
The meeting is the third ministerial meeting of the EU and the League of Arab States. It is taking place in Athens today and tomorrow (Tuesday 10 June and Wednesday 11 June) and will be co-chaired by the EU High Representative, Baroness Catherine Ashton, and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Dr. Nabil el Araby.
Speaking before the meeting, at which over 50 countries will be represented, Minister Donohoe said:
“Ireland and our EU partners value our dialogue with the Arab world highly. This third ministerial meeting between the EU and the League of Arab States will undoubtedly contribute to strengthened political dialogue between our two regions in confronting major international issues such as the appalling conflict in Syria and the need for renewed impetus in resolving the Israeli-Arab conflict.
“The meeting in Athens will also provide for improved practical cooperation between the EU and Arab League in key areas such as crisis response, the empowerment of women, strengthening democracy and promoting human rights and civil society. I also look forward to having the opportunity to discuss important bilateral issues with key regional partners from across the Arab world.”
ENDS
Press Office
10 June 2014
Note for Editors
· Ministers at the EU-Arab League are due to agree a joint declaration which will provide for strengthened strategic and institutional cooperation between the two organisations, including instituting an EU-LAS Strategic Dialogue.
· The Declaration will also reference discussion between Ministers on key regional and political issues such as Syria, the Middle East Peace Process, Libya and Lebanon.