Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Following his appointment as Welsh First Minister, I had a phonecall with Vaughan Gething on 18 April to congratulate him on his appointment.

During the call, we focused on the importance of relations between Ireland and Wales, and how we can work together to further strengthen the relationship. We underscored the importance of our cooperation under the Ireland Wales Shared Statement and Action Plan 2021-2025, and I invited First Minister Gething to Cork in June for the annual Ireland-Wales Forum.

The Forum provides an important opportunity to review and promote cooperation between Ireland and Wales under the Shared Statement. This includes work in such areas as climate and sustainability; trade and tourism; education and research, as well as culture and supporting the diaspora. This year the Forum will have a particular focus on our shared marine environment, heritage and tourism. We also intend to initiate work towards a new Shared Statement to be agreed in 2025.

Wales is also an important partner in the British Irish Council, which brings together leaders across these islands to address areas of mutual concern. I look forward to meeting First Minister Gething also at the BIC Summit in the Isle of Man in June, which will focus on renewable energy.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I continue to prioritise regular engagement with a wide range of UK political figures, in government and in opposition, as we further our work to strengthen British-Irish relations in a post-Brexit context.

I was in London on 29 April to co-chair a meeting of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) alongside the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris, where to matters relating to Northern Ireland, we had a constructive discussion on ongoing cooperation in areas to include energy, research and innovation and education.

My last meeting with the Shadow Foreign Secretary was in Munich in February, where we had a useful discussion on British Irish relations and foreign policy issues, including in relation to developments in the Middle East. I look forward to picking up our conversation over the summer.