Written answers
Thursday, 30 November 2023
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Official Engagements
Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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247. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the meetings and engagements that he and his Department have had with the state of Qatar in 2023; any proposals for further meetings or engagements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52940/23]
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I have spoken twice in recent weeks to the Prime and Foreign Minister of Qatar in relation to the current crisis in the Middle East, and in particular the position of Irish citizens in Gaza, as well as the hostages being held by Hamas. I am grateful for the help of Qatar in this respect, particularly in relation to the case of Emily Hand.
The Taoiseach also met with the Prime and Foreign Minister of Qatar at the UN General Assembly session in September and has spoken with him by phone in recent weeks in respect of the crisis in Gaza.
My Department maintains regular diplomatic contacts with Qatar, primarily though our Ambassador in Abu Dhabi, who presented her credentials to the Emir of Qatar in March 2023, and who travels there frequently for contacts with government, business and Irish community contacts. We also engage with Qatar through its Embassy to Ireland, based in London, and in UN fora.
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