Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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58. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on his recent visit to Jordan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20766/24]

Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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I commend the Tánaiste on his recent and very successful trips to both Egypt and Jordan. He has personally taken a firm lead in shining a global light on the continuing horrors in the Middle East. News reports this morning regarding a formal recognition by a number of EU states on 19 May of Palestine as a state are a direct result of the Tánaiste's cast-iron efforts in this regard. Will the Tánaiste comment on how this has transpired and what we can expect on 19 May?

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Tánaiste literally has one minute.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I travelled to Egypt and Jordan in April as part of this Government’s continued efforts to address the crisis in Gaza and the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Both Egypt and Jordan are at the forefront of regional and international efforts to halt the conflict in Gaza, address the dire humanitarian situation and resume a meaningful political pathway.

In Jordan, I met with Foreign Minister Safadi, as well as with King Abdullah. Our discussions focused on efforts to bring about an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza. It was clear that Ireland and Jordan are united in the view that unless we address the current crisis head on through a comprehensive plan that delivers on a two-state solution, we will not be able to ensure peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians and the wider Middle East. In this regard, we discussed how Ireland and like-minded partners could support regional efforts to restore a political pathway. This included an exchange of views on the positive impact that potential recognition of Palestine by a number of European states could have in lending momentum to these efforts, as well as efforts to support full membership of the United Nations for Palestine.