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DUBLIN — Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris TD held a phone call with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot on 26 August to discuss key international and bilateral issues, including the renewal of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The conversation took place ahead of the upcoming Gymnich meeting of EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen and comes amid ongoing negotiations at the UN Security Council regarding the future of UNIFIL. Harris expressed Ireland’s strong support for the continuation of the peacekeeping mission, highlighting the longstanding contribution of Irish Defence Forces personnel in Southern Lebanon.
“I expressed my support for the leadership role played by France at this key stage in the negotiations,” Harris said, emphasizing the mission’s importance to regional stability.
The ministers also addressed the deteriorating situation in Gaza, calling for urgent EU-level action in response to the escalating humanitarian and security challenges. In addition, they reviewed the recently published EU–US Joint Statement on Trade, discussing potential exemptions for sectors critical to Irish and European exporters.
The call concluded with a discussion on strengthening bilateral ties through the Ireland–France Joint Plan of Action, with both parties committed to advancing shared priorities in sustainability, trade connectivity, and digital innovation.
