Tánaiste visits Israel and Palestine
Press release
02 December 2019Tánaiste visits Israel and Palestine
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney, T.D., begins a working visit to Israel and Palestine tomorrow (Monday, 2nd December), his fourth such visit as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The Tánaiste’s itinerary includes a wide range of engagements in Jerusalem and Ramallah. He will hold meetings with senior Israeli and Palestinian political leaders and UN officials.
The Tánaiste is due visit an UNRWA school for girls, and hold meetings with officials from UNRWA and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
He will also meet with Minister Mazen Ghunaim, the head of the Palestinian Water Authority, to discuss Ireland’s investment in solar energy in support of this sector. The Tánaiste will meet the Palestinian Minister of Education, Dr. Marwan Awartani, and sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Irish support for the Palestinian Education sector.
Speaking ahead of the visit, the Tánaiste said:
“This is my fourth trip to Israel and Palestine as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. This reflects the importance I attach to the Middle East Peace Process, and the high priority that the Government and the Irish people continue to give to this issue. During the visit I will meet with a range of Israeli and Palestinian political leaders and representatives of UN agencies. I will use this opportunity to discuss how Ireland can support efforts towards a durable two state solution to the conflict, and to convey clearly and firmly Ireland’s concerns about the impact of the occupation, including in relation to settlement activity and the blockade of Gaza. I will also have the opportunity to visit an UNRWA school, and see how Irish Aid support for UNRWA is helping to ensure that Palestinian children, including girls, receive an education.”
ENDS
Press Office
2 December 2019
