Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris has attended a special meeting of EU foreign ministers and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on the margins of the G20 meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Mr Harris told the meeting that Ireland continues to condemn Russia's illegal war and its ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s civilian population.
He told his fellow foreign ministers that there must be an end to the war but only on the basis of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.
Any peace deal should respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the principles of the UN Charter and international law, he added.
The Tánaiste said that Ukraine must be central to any peace process, and must determine the timing and terms of any agreement - nothing about Ukraine, without Ukraine.
He said that how we approach this issue will have implications for those of us in Europe, and arguably beyond.
Mr Harris added that Ireland will support Ukraine for as long as it takes, and work with partners to achieve a just and lasting peace.
The Tánaiste told the G20 that while the multilateral system is not perfect, international cooperation is essential if we are to address the many global challenges before us.
He said that as a small country, Ireland knows the importance of multilateralism. It is at the heart of Ireland’s foreign policy. These values will guide our active engagement in the work of the G20 over the coming year.
The Tánaiste will hold several bilateral meetings with his counterparts on the margins of the G20 summit today and tomorrow, including ministers from the UAE, Trukey, Brazil, Canada, Singapore, Mexico, Nigeria, UK, and South Africa.
US not in attendance over 'anti-American' agenda
However, the group's richest member, the United States, will not be in attendance after Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused South Africa of an "anti-American" agenda.
The US will be represented by Dana Brown, deputy chief of mission at the embassy in Pretoria.
"It might be at the lower level, but they will be represented. It's not a complete boycott of South Africa's G20," the country's foreign minister Ronald Lamola said.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Chinese and Indian counterparts have confirmed their attendance.
Wars and conflicts in Africa and Europe would be common themes, South African diplomat Xolisa Mabhongo said.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr Harris said: "We were honoured to take up South Africa’s invitation to participate at the G20 this year. South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 is happening at a pivotal time.
"As a small, open and highly networked economy, we believe Ireland has an important voice in discussions on global trade and investment as well as sustainable development.
"Not only will this mark Ireland’s first engagement at the G20, it is also the first time the G20 has been held in Africa.
"Our invitation to participate is a reflection of the long and proud tradition Ireland has of supporting global development, particularly as it relates to Africa.
"The whole of Government approach we are taking to our engagement with the G20 this year indicates how seriously we value the opportunity to input to this important forum.
"Ireland is committed to an open and fair-trading system, underpinned by the multilateral, rules-based system.
"Free and fair trade brings economic opportunities, creates well-paid jobs, fosters innovation and builds economic resilience. This is essential for Ireland, as it is for so many other smaller states around the world."
Additional reporting AFP
