Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I attended the 60^th meeting of the Munich Security Conference, a leading forum for the discussion of security and defence issues, from 16 – 17 February.

I participated in a panel discussion on neutrality where I set out the value of Ireland’s military neutrality in a world of increased geo-political insecurity, including new cyber and hybrid threats. I also highlighted the work of the recent Consultative Forum on International Security Policy.

I spoke about how our focus on diplomacy, peacekeeping, and international development can contribute to European and international security.

I also had a series of bilateral meetings including with King Abdullah II of Jordan, Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria Mariya Gabriel, UK Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer, and a delegation from the ‘Elders’ group led by former President Mary Robinson.

Both in public events at the Conference and in my bilateral meetings there was widespread concern at the direction of developments, including Russia’s war on Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, especially in Gaza, and prospects for global security in light of the large number of elections that will be held this year.

In my meeting with Labour Party Leader, Keir Starmer, we both welcomed the restoration of the Executive and Assembly in Belfast and looked forward to the meetings of North South Ministerial Council as well as the East-West bodies.