Ireland has a “steadfast support for Ukraine” in its war against Russia despite the State’s neutral status, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said.
The remarks were made as the Taoiseach was preparing to travel to the annual Munich Security Conference.
The conference is considered the world’s foremost forum for discussions on international security policy, attracting senior political leaders, including numerous heads of state and government, along with top policy experts.
In a statement ahead of the event, Martin said that “Ireland is, and will remain militarily neutral,” and that the nation’s neutral stance was “well understood and respected.”
However, he condemned “Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine” and emphasised Ireland’s support for the Ukrainian side in that war.
“It is more important than ever to stress our steadfast support for Ukraine, and our strong commitment to helping them achieve a just and sustainable peace based on the principles of the UN Charter,” the Taoiseach said.
“The terms and conditions for any peace agreement must be in line with these principles. There can be no agreement on Ukraine without Ukraine.”
He also added that over the next two days, the Taoiseach will take part in various events and hold “bilateral” meetings with other leaders, including joining a global food security event hosted by President Zelensky of Ukraine.
Regarding the ongoing tensions in Gaza, the Taoiseach said that Ireland would be pushing for a “two-state solution” between Israel and Palestine.
“On the situation in Gaza, we need to work with partners to ensure the continued implementation of the hostage release and ceasefire deal, and a continued surge in unhindered humanitarian assistance,” he said.
“I will also discuss with partners the prospects for a lasting peace settlement, based on a two-state solution.”
In addition to foreign conflicts, the Taoiseach said he also intends to discuss “security risks” faced by countries around the world and “how we keep ourselves safe”, particularly from “new cyber and hybrid threats”.
“At a time of heightened tension globally, my attendance at the Munich Security Conference provides an important opportunity to discuss our many shared challenges and to set out our perspective on how best to manage these challenges,” he said.
“I will be reiterating Ireland’s long-standing support for a robust rules-based international order, strong multinational institutions and our unambiguous commitment to international law and fundamental human rights.”