James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 24: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if EU-US relations have been strengthened by the recent visit of President Obama to Europe; the agreements that were reached at the Prague summit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14626/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The meeting in Prague was an informal summit arranged by the Czech Presidency to enable the Heads of State and Government of the European Union and the President of the European Commission to meet President Obama on his first visit to Europe since taking office. The meeting in Prague on 5 April in Prague took place immediately after the G-20 Summit held in London on 2 April and the NATO Summit held in Strasbourg in France and in Baden-Baden in Germany on 3-4 April.

Although no formal agreements were reached at this informal meeting, it did provide a very valuable opportunity for discussions on a wide range of political and economic topics of global concern. I believe that the meeting helped to strengthen relations between the European Union and the new administration in Washington. A strong transatlantic partnership based on shared principles and values can only be of benefit to both sides and to the global community at large. It is intended the issues discussed in Prague and other issues will be taken up at the regular EU-US Summit in June.

In the economic area discussions in Prague focused mainly on the current global financial situation. Both the EU and the US had contributed to the successful outcome of the G20 summit in London and both remain determined to work closely together to ensure implementation of the decisions reached there. Both sides are committed to strengthening the Transatlantic Economic Council so as to strengthen and develop transatlantic and international trade and investment. Both the EU and the US remain committed to reaching a balanced and ambitious outcome to WTO Doha Development Round.

Discussions on climate change focused on the need for transatlantic cooperation in the lead up to UN conference to take place in Copenhagen in December, which is aimed at bringing about a global and comprehensive climate agreement. Discussions also took place on regional issues including the Middle East Peace Process, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Taoiseach spoke on behalf of the EU at the meeting with President Obama on the situation in the Middle East, with particular reference to Syria and Lebanon. I also spoke for the EU on the current state of the Middle East Peace Process at the Foreign Ministers' lunch with US Secretary of State Clinton.

The EU side welcomed the US decision to close Guantanamo and indicated that it stood ready to cooperate with the US administration in that regard. The EU looks forward to working with the US in the fight against terrorism, in full respect of human rights and international humanitarian law.