Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I led an Enterprise Ireland trade mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 13 November. The programme of the trade mission also included a visit to the United Arab Emirates on 14 and 15 November. Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are priority markets under the Government's trade, tourism and investment strategy. I was accompanied by a diverse range of Irish companies, some of which are seeking to enter the Gulf markets for the first time and some of which are seeking to strengthen their position in those markets. I undertook a large number of engagements in support of these companies. In addition to the trade-specific events, I also held meetings at political level addressing a broader range of issues. In Saudi Arabia, I held meetings with the Minister for Commerce and Investment, Majid Al Qassabi, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Nizar Madani, and the Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Nasser Fawzan.

In the course of my visit, I gave an interview to a number of local media outlets in Riyadh. Among the issues raised in those interviews was the role of Iran across the region. It is clear to all observers that the increased tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran are an important factor in the complex challenges facing the region at the moment. Both countries have leadership roles within the region and with that leadership comes responsibility. I urge both Governments to use their influence to move towards diplomatic and political solutions in both Syria and in Yemen. This is the message that I gave in the interview referred to by the Deputy. Saudi Arabia is already an important regional partner for some Irish companies in areas such as food and ICT, and that was the context of the comments on partnership referred to in the article.

The detail of my meetings with the Ministers is confidential. However, I can confirm that I did raise human rights issues, including the use of the death penalty and the position of women in society, and issues related to terrorism in the broader region.

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