John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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14. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent meeting with the Serbian Foreign Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19766/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Prime Minister Ana Brnabic visited Ireland from 19 to 21 April, her first visit here as Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia. I was pleased to welcome her to Iveagh House on the afternoon of 20 April, where we had a wide-ranging exchange. Prime Minister Brnabic also met the Taoiseach and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment during her visit.

We spoke, in particular, about Serbia’s EU candidacy. I underlined Ireland’s strong support for enlargement and the European perspective of all the Western Balkans states. We discussed the economic and social benefits our country has enjoyed since we joined the EU fifty years ago. Prime Minister Brnabic expressed a keen interest in Ireland’s economic transformation, noting her Government’s investments in education and the digital economy. We agreed this is an area where we can share knowledge, which will have mutual benefits and serve to support Serbia’s EU future.

I raised our concern over Serbia’s failure to align with EU sanctions on Russia, noting how for many partners this calls into question Serbia's full commitment to EU values. Prime Minister Brnabic stressed Serbia’s condemnation of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, as exemplified in its support for UN resolutions, and shared her perspectives on some of the challenges of the accession process, as viewed from Belgrade.

We discussed Serbia’s relations with Kosovo, and the latest developments in the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue. Following last month’s agreement in Ohrid, I stressed that there is now a real opportunity for progress, underlining the importance of good faith implementation on both sides. In that respect, we discussed the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, and Senator Mitchell’s remarkable speech last week on the challenge of its negotiation and the bravery needed to deliver on its promise. While conscious of the significant differences between the respective processes, I expressed a hope that this might serve as a positive example for Serbia and Kosovo of what is possible. We will continue to support them in that process.

Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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17. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his engagement with President Joe Biden and his administration during his recent visit to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19774/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The visit by President Biden to Ireland was a truly historic occasion which reinforced the close bonds and historic links between our two countries.

I accompanied President Biden to Co. Louth, which included a visit to his ancestral home in the Cooley Peninsula and engagements with community groups in Dundalk.

In Carlingford Castle, we saw from where James Finnegan, the President's ancestor, emigrated. We reflected on the impact of the Troubles and the Good Friday Agreement, discussing the Shared Island Initiative and progress on Narrow Water Bridge.

President Biden was warmly welcomed by the people of Dundalk, visiting local businesses and meeting local representatives. The President also met with young people benefiting from projects supported by the International Fund for Ireland. The IFI, with the continued support of the United States, has contributed greatly to the process of reconciliation between communities in Northern Ireland, and on the island of Ireland.

President Biden’s programme in Dublin included a ceremonial welcome at Áras an Uachtaráin; a meeting with the Taoiseach at Farmleigh House; an address to the Joint Houses of the Oireachtas, where the President also met with all party leaders; and an Official Dinner in Dublin Castle.

I had a bilateral exchange with Secretary of State Antony Blinken at Áras an Uachtaráin, where we discussed foreign policy matters of shared interest and concern.

I was also pleased to meet with the political delegation accompanying the President to Ireland, led by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, while in Co. Mayo for the President’s address in Ballina. This group included several longstanding Friends of Ireland, who have worked hard over many years in support of the peace process and to enhance the vital relationship between the United States and Ireland.

It was particularly fitting that this visit coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. President Biden has always been a friend of Ireland, and has, over many decades, actively supported the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement. The bipartisan engagement by successive American Administrations and by Congress, and the support of the Irish diaspora in the United States, have been indispensable, and continues to underpin peace and economic progress on the island of Ireland.