Reem Al Hashemi and Thani Al Zeyoudi receive the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Ireland
ABU DHABI, 9 JULY / WAM / Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Her Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, received Her Excellency Helen McEntee, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defense of the Republic of Ireland, in Abu Dhabi, as part of Her Excellency’s first tour to the Arabian Gulf region since assuming her duties, with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, and discussing a number of issues and topics of common interest.
During the meeting, the growing relations between the UAE and the Republic of Ireland were reviewed, which extend back to more than fifty years. The two sides also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in a number of fields, including trade and investment, renewable energy, and financial services. They stressed the strength of the human ties between the peoples of the two countries, noting that the UAE embraces more than 200 nationalities, including an Irish community of more than 14,000 people.
In light of Ireland assuming the presidency of the Council of the European Union during the second half of 2026, the two sides stressed that this presidency represents an opportunity to strengthen relations between the UAE and the European Union in a way that supports the common goals of achieving stability, development and prosperity. They also stressed the importance of reaching a comprehensive agreement regarding the negotiations of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and the European Union.
On the economic level, the two sides reviewed the growth witnessed in bilateral non-oil trade, which amounted to US$1.2 billion in 2024, compared to US$694 million in 2019. They also welcomed the establishment of the Joint Economic Committee between the UAE and the Republic of Ireland, which held its first meeting in Abu Dhabi in December 2025, as a platform to enhance trade and investment, and enhance private sector participation between the two countries.
The two sides also discussed the latest regional developments, including the situation in the Arabian Gulf region and the security of international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, where both sides welcomed the constructive role played by Ireland and the European Union in supporting regional stability.
Her Excellency McEntee stressed the importance of maintaining regional stability and ensuring the security of navigation in international waterways.
The meeting was attended by a number of officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with members of the delegation accompanying Her Excellency the Irish Minister, and representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Ireland to the UAE.
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