Tánaiste Martin To Meet EU Ministers In Spain To Discuss Ukraine & Niger

Micheál Martin is to meet with several EU ministers in Spain this week, to discuss the latest developments in Ukraine and the coup of Niger.

The Tánaiste will meet up with several ministers, including Foreign affairs ministers from Niger and Ukraine, in the city of Toledo, with talks taking place today and tomorrow.

Ukraine's defence minister Oleksii Reznikov is to speak to his counterparts in an informal meeting, which will be attended by United Nations and NATO representatives.

Speaking ahead of the trip, Minister for Foreign Affaires and for Defence, Micheál Martin has said that this will give the EU a chance to "practically coordinate".

"Ukraine continues to face enormous challenges in the face of Russian aggression", Mr Martin continued. "The EU has repeatedly sent strong messages of our continuing determination and abiding commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and I look forward to these discussions, as they offer us an important opportunity to practically coordinate and implement the many different initiatives and assistance measures we are taking collectively".

"We must remain resolute in our commitment to stand with Ukraine and these discussions provide us with an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to Ukraine's freedom and democracy". 

"The situation in Niger is extremely grave and the EU has made clear its firm condemnation of the coup in Niger".

"Discussions over the next few days will allow us the opportunity to assess how the EU can be most effective in ensuring a return to democratic government, and support regional leaders in their efforts", he added. "The EU will continue to provide humanitarian aid and to stand alongside the people of Niger, in particular in its commitment to their human rights".