Tánaiste Simon Harris is set to attend the G20 meetings today in South Africa, marking Ireland’s first-ever participation in this global forum. The G20, comprising the world’s leading economies, convenes to discuss critical issues of global economic and financial stability. Ireland has been invited as a guest country under South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
Harris will not only participate in the plenary sessions but will also hold several bilateral meetings with counterparts from other G20 nations. This opportunity allows Ireland to engage directly on global challenges and promote the issues that matter most to the Irish people.
On the significance of the invitation, Harris remarked, “Ireland’s participation in the G20 comes at a pivotal moment, reflecting our long-standing commitment to supporting global development.” He also highlighted that the situation in Ukraine would be a central topic during the meetings, with discussions set to include European counterparts and representatives of the European Commission for the latest updates on the ongoing crisis.
Representatives from the G20 countries—including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and others—are also attending, along with the African Union and the European Union.
Harris’s trip represents a significant step for Ireland in asserting its role on the global stage, particularly at a time when geopolitical and economic challenges are reshaping international relations. As the G20 meeting unfolds, Ireland is poised to play an active part in shaping discussions on the global economy and pressing international issues.
