Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the ambassador. It is my intention to bring matters to a conclusion. I remind members that we have some private business to engage in immediately following this meeting.

Again I thank the ambassador for being with us. I wish you well in your tenure in Ireland in terms of our bilateral relationship with Turkey. Ireland, as an active and engaged member of the European Union, acknowledges the fact that relations between the European Union and Turkey have regressed somewhat in recent years. We believe it is important that there is a constructive and stable relationship between the European Union and Turkey. We trust that both you and your government will positively engage to ensure that stable, constructive and positive relationship.

With that in mind, I thank you most sincerely for your invitation on behalf of Mr. Çaatay Klç, the president of the commission for foreign affairs in the Turkish Grand National Assembly. My members and I would be very keen to give appropriate and due consideration to that invitation and we will revert to you.

On behalf of members I thank the ambassador for being with us and dealing with the many and varied questions. We look forward to an active and positive engagement between our committee and yourself in your time here. I also thank Mrs. Elayouti for being with us.