Minister Andrews announces plans to open new missions in Ankara, Cardiff and Edinburgh
Department of Foreign Affairs Press Release
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Minister Andrews announces plans to open new missions in
Ankara, Cardiff and Edinburgh
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr David Andrews, T.D., has announced the Government's intention to extend our diplomatic network by establishing an Embassy in Ankara, and to open Consulates-General in Edinburgh and Cardiff.
The decision to extend our diplomatic network to Turkey reflects that country's growing political and economic importance. "Turkey's relations with the European Union have assumed greater significance in recent times, and it is essential that Ireland should intensify its contact with Turkey," the Minister said. Mr Andrews recalled that Turkey is a substantial trading partner for Ireland and an increasingly popular destination for Irish tourists. "Trade between the two countries has grown six-fold over the last decade, reaching almost £180 million in 1997. The prospects for further increases in Irish exports to Turkey have been enhanced by the establishment of a Customs Union between Turkey and the EU," the Minister said.
Mr Andrews said that the decision to establish Consulates-General in Edinburgh and Cardiff will allow for the already close links that exist with Scotland and Wales to be further developed and deepened. This move stems from the Good Friday Agreement and from the process of devolution underway in Scotland and Wales. "The new British-Irish Council, which is part of the Good Friday Agreement, will include representatives of the devolved institutions in Scotland and Wales as well as the two Governments and the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Council will provide a vehicle for cooperation across a wide range of areas which could include transport, agriculture, culture, health, education and EU matters. In view of this, it is imperative that the Government have available its own first-hand assessment of developments in Scotland and Wales which the new Consulates will provide", the Minister said.Top
