Minister for Foreign Affairs announces that Embassy of Ireland to open in Abu Dhabi

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Department of Foreign Affairs Press Release

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Minister for Foreign Affairs announces that Embassy of Ireland to open in Abu Dhabi

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin T.D., today announced that the Government has decided to open an Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, this year.

"I am delighted to announce that the Government will open the first resident Embassy in Abu Dhabi. This is an important announcement on the eve of the President’s visit to the United Arab Emirates.

Establishing the Embassy is in line with the framework for economic renewal, Building Ireland’s Smart Economy, launched by the Government in December.

In that document, the Government promised to review the network of diplomatic and consular missions in order to ensure a proper alignment of resources with strategic objectives. This announcement is a tangible demonstration of the Government’s determination to ensure that finite resources are being used to maximum economic effect.

The new Embassy will help foster stronger trade, investment and tourism links with the UAE and the wider Gulf region. There is a strong Irish community in the United Arab Emirates and there are already strong business links between our two countries. The UAE is a significant trading partner for Ireland, accounting for over €500 m in merchandise and service exports in 2007.

The Embassy will also strengthen Ireland’s presence across the Gulf region. At present, we have one Embassy in the region, in Saudi Arabia, which covers six States. By opening a new resident Embassy in Abu Dhabi, we will be able to give more attention to the countries in the Gulf region, each of which is an important partner.

The costs of opening the Embassy will be met from within the Department’s existing resources. This will require savings in other areas but this is an important initiative and the necessary resources will be found. I believe that opening a resident Mission in Abu Dhabi is an investment in Ireland’s future. It is a relatively small investment but one which I believe can deliver significant returns."

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3 February

Press Office