Taoiseach and Tánaiste travel to New York for UN General Assembly

TAOISEACH Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin are travelling to New York today to discuss conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan at the United Nations General Assembly.

President Michael D Higgins will also address the UN Summit of the Future at the UN’s headquarters.

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President Higgins’ speech will address inequality, poverty, hunger and climate change risks.

Mr Higgins, Mr Harris and Mr Martin, along with other heads of state and government, will attend the annual high-level general debate on Tuesday.

Mr Harris will attend the Summit of the Future, co-chairing one of four interactive dialogues, and the opening of the General Assembly as well as high-level events related to the situation in the Middle East and in Ukraine.

The Taoiseach said: “I am looking forward to visiting New York for the United Nations General Assembly where my focus will be on the grave situation in the Middle East.

“The immediate priority of the international community must be an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal.

“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. A dramatic scaling up of humanitarian assistance is urgently needed.

“The safety of UN and other humanitarian workers must be adequately protected.

“All efforts must be made to prevent escalation in the region and I call on all sides to practice restraint.”

Mr Harris said that Russia’s “ongoing aggression against Ukraine” will also be top of agenda.

He said: “Ireland has been clear in our unwavering support for the Ukrainian people, and for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

“In my meetings, I will be urging all countries to support President Zelenskyy’s Peace Plan and efforts towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine that is based on the principles of the UN Charter.

“In the meantime, we must do all we can to support Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression.”

Mr Harris urged the devastating situation in Sudan “deserves more attention from the international community”.

He continued: “We are working closely with our EU and international partners to demand a ceasefire, humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and accountability for human rights abuses.

“I am also looking forward to attending the Summit of the Future and co-chairing a dialogue on enhancing multilateralism for international peace and security.

“On the eve of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations and as the world faces unprecedent challenges and threats, this Summit must reinvigorate the multilateral system.

“The UN charter is the prism through which we shape our foreign policy.

“This Summit is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance global cooperation, reaffirm commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals, and reform multilateralism.”

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he continue to highlight key foreign policy priorities.

These will include the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan and emphasise the importance of the rules-based international order and respect for the UN Charter.

The Tánaiste said: “High Level Week and the UN General Assembly gatherings offer an important opportunity for Ireland and the world to debate, discuss and, most significantly, take real action on the issues that affect us all.

“Ireland’s foreign policy is rooted in a belief in multilateralism, a commitment to the rules-based international order and adherence to international law. UNGA 2024 is a key international moment for Ireland and indeed the world.

“I look forward to working with like-minded partners and, vitally, those with whom we may not agree, to seek solutions and find a way forward to build a more peaceful, prosperous, just and sustainable world.

“I also look forward to engaging with a wide range of counterparts to discuss the urgent need to address the conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan.”

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