The Secretary General of the Farnesina, Ambassador Ettore Francesco Sequi, has received the Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ireland, Joseph Hackett, for an exchange of views on their countries’ bilateral relations and the main European and international dossiers.
As Ambassador Sequi underscored, the meeting took place against the background of exceptionally positive relations between Italy and Ireland, who share similar views on the key international issues and a common commitment to implementing the European agenda. Ambassador Sequi expressed his appreciation of the positive performance of bilateral trade, which continued to grow even during the most acute stages of the pandemic.
The two Secretaries General reiterated their firm condemnation of the unjustified Russian aggression against Ukraine and confirmed their countries’ commitment to support the Ukrainian Government and people. Their discussion revealed their shared interest in intensifying bilateral collaboration, especially in the economic sphere and in the cultural and scientific research sectors. This is thanks not least to the contribution of the Italian community in Ireland, which has seen constant growth in recent years.
A substantive similarity of views emerged on the importance of expanding and deepening dialogue and cooperation on the most significant European agenda items of mutual interest: migration; energy security and transition; reform of the Stability and Growth Pact; enlargement; strategic autonomy and security; and the outlook for relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom.
Lastly, the meeting was a useful opportunity to exchange ideas on collaboration in the main multilateral organisations, not least in the light of the key role played by Italy in the G7 and G20 and Ireland’s two-year mandate as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
