Minister Flanagan Meets With British And US Ambassadors

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, has hosted a meeting with the British and American Ambassador to discuss current strategic issues faced by the three countries.

Minister Flanagan met with British Ambassador Dominick Chilcott and US Ambassador Kevin O’Malley at a business event in Iveagh House. The event was hosted in conjunction with the British-Irish Chamber of Commerce (BICC) and the American Chamber of Commerce, Ireland (AMCHAM).

Speaking ahead of the event, the Minister said: "Britain and the United States are by far our two biggest trading partners. Tonight is a unique opportunity to hear from the two Ambassadors their own reflections on these trading and business partnerships and the strategic issues which face us all in the period ahead. I also look forward to hearing their thoughts, as well as those of Irish business leaders, on what we can do together to develop and grow the business links we enjoy".

On the question of the UK referendum on EU membership on 23 June, the Minister said: "Among the strategic issues facing us today – and inevitably for discussion tonight– is the importance of UK membership of the European Union. This matter is a key strategic issue for Ireland. We see it here primarily in terms of close and multi-faceted Irish-British relationship and through the prism of Northern Ireland, but we also welcome the fact that the US administration speaks of its wish of a strong UK within a strong European Union.

"Our perspective as a friend, close neighbour and major trading partner is, I have been assured, welcome in the UK. At all times we recognise and respect that the choice to be made is one for the UK voters. But as a major partner, close friend and the only Member State to share a land border with the UK, we have particular concerns.

"As veterans of referendum campaigns, we know that good, clear information, public debate, and engagement by business and civil society is crucial in the debate.

"Our bilateral trade now amounts to over €1.2 billion per week and growing. Indeed, the already-strong profile of the BICC - after just five years in existence - is a testament to that vital trade relationship.

"Important reports are coming thick and fast on economic implications for the UK itself, for the wider world and for Ireland specifically, north and south. We all need to study these closely.

(MH)