From:Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, will today (16 July) meet with the Greek Deputy Foreign Minister responsible for European Affairs, Tasos Chatzivasileiou, at Government Buildings.

The meeting will focus on opportunities to enhance cooperation during Ireland’s EU Presidency. Ireland’s EU Presidency forms the first part of an eighteen-month Trio Presidency, which also includes Lithuania and Greece.

Commenting on the meeting, Minister Byrne said: “As chair of the EU General Affairs Council during the Irish EU Presidency, I welcome the opportunity to welcome my Greek colleague, Minister Tasos Chatzivasileiou, to Dublin. In working as Presidency, and in working together as Trio partners, I am confident that strong leadership will be given to the work of the General Affairs Council, as we work together to deliver for Europe and its people.”

Remarking on bilateral relations between Ireland and Greece, Minister Byrne said: “While our two countries are geographically far apart, lying at opposite ends of the EU, the Ireland-Greece bilateral relationship is excellent. Last year, marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. I look forward to continued high-level engagement, guided by our shared bilateral roadmap.”

The Ireland-Greece Road Map 2024-2026 provides the framework for very positive relations across a range of policy areas including foreign policy, diaspora, EU Presidency Trio, education, and multilateralism.