Abu dhabi: Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, welcomed Helen McEntee, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence of Ireland, in Abu Dhabi. This visit marked McEntee's first tour of the Arab Gulf region since assuming office, with a primary focus on enhancing bilateral relations and exploring mutual interests between the two countries.
According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting emphasized the enduring relationship between the UAE and Ireland, which has spanned over 50 years. Discussions centered on deepening cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, renewable energy, and financial services. The ministers also highlighted strong people-to-people connections, with the UAE hosting a vibrant Irish community of more than 14,000 individuals.
With Ireland set to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the latter half of 2026, both sides acknowledged the potential to further strengthen UAE-EU ties. They stressed the importance of successfully concluding negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to support shared goals of stability and prosperity.
On the economic front, the discussions reviewed the growth in bilateral non-oil trade, which reached US$1.2 billion in 2024, an increase from US$694 million in 2019. The establishment of the UAE-Ireland Joint Economic Committee, which held its inaugural meeting in Abu Dhabi in December 2025, was welcomed as a platform to expand trade and investment.
The meeting also covered regional developments, including the situation in the Arab Gulf and the security of international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides acknowledged Ireland and the European Union's constructive role in supporting regional stability, with McEntee emphasizing the importance of maintaining stability and ensuring the security of international waterways.
The meeting was attended by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of the Irish Minister's delegation, and representatives from the Embassy of Ireland in the UAE.
