Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On Yemen, we would be very foolish not to follow the advice of Martin Griffiths, the UN Special Envoy. He is the person from whom I take our lead in terms of what we do and say. We have had a number of engagements with him at an EU level. The focus was very much on Stockholm for the end of last year to try to bring the parties together, to try to get a basis for a ceasefire and to try to ensure that we avoided what many regarded as a likelihood slaughter in the port of Hudaydah. We are trying to make progress on that. This is where the focus should be in reaching a political solution.

On the questions raised by Deputy Niall Collins, the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, is going to Cuba and to Mexico after that. The truth is one does not cut out countries from which one has a different political perspective in terms of diplomatic missions. Cuba is changing. The relationship between Cuba and Ireland is improving. That does not mean we agree with the political approach in Cuba on every issue. We do not. It is a legitimate exercise and we will visit 56 countries in total, if one takes all the ministerial visits. There will be a big emphasis on the EU for obvious reasons around Brexit and solidarity.

We are also increasing our presence in Latin America and South America. We are two opening to embassies this year, one in Santiago and one in Bogota. We have a growing trade relationship with Mexico and have had good engagement with the new government. We need to visit a broad perspective of countries and that is the context of Cuba being on the list.

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