
From the Department of Foreign Affairs
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin T.D., is set to embark on a significant four-day visit to the Horn of Africa, specifically Kenya and Ethiopia, beginning today. This visit aims to bolster Ireland’s economic, political, and development connections in the region, showcasing the impact of Ireland’s development assistance and expanding trade links.
The Tánaiste’s agenda includes a meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi on Tuesday morning. This will be followed by an engagement with students participating in Young Scientist Kenya, an initiative supported by Ireland to foster STEM education. Later, he will preside over the regional launch of Ireland’s Horn of Africa Child Wasting Programme, which extends its reach to Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
Wednesday’s itinerary involves various trade, development, and community events, before Martin proceeds to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. There, he will meet with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and several development partners, and host a reception commemorating 30 years of Ireland’s diplomatic presence in Ethiopia.
Ahead of his visit, the Tánaiste expressed the significance of this trip:
“This is a significant visit to strengthen Ireland’s economic, political and development ties with two important African countries. I look forward to meeting with President Ruto and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to discuss a range of issues, including regional security and global crises, including conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan. It is important that Ireland and Europe continue to strengthen our engagement and links across Africa. Ireland’s Africa Strategy highlights our commitment to building political, trade, cultural and people-to-people links across the continent. This visit is an important component of that ongoing work.”
Martin emphasized Ireland’s enduring commitment to the Horn of Africa through its Irish Aid programme and partnerships with NGOs. He acknowledged the severe impacts of climate change and conflict on the region but also highlighted the opportunities for peace, innovation, and development.
“Ireland has a proud legacy in the Horn of Africa and that continues through the work of the Irish Aid programme and our NGO partners operating in the region. While the impact of climate change and conflict is threatening the lives and livelihoods of many people in the region, there are also critical opportunities to build peace and bolster innovation and development. I look forward to meeting with political, humanitarian and development partners to discuss how Ireland can continue to contribute to this. I also look forward also to meeting with members of the Irish community who continue to play an important role in both countries.”
Notes for Editors:
- Over the past five years, Ireland has allocated over €415 million in bilateral funding to partners in the Horn of Africa, focusing on humanitarian aid, long-term development, conflict resolution, and climate change mitigation. The primary recipients include Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, South Sudan, and Kenya.
- During the 2022 Horn of Africa food and drought crisis, Ireland’s bilateral investment reached €102 million. Last year, Ireland spent over €85 million in the region.
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