Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin is to join world leaders at a Egyptian summit to discuss the reconstruction of Gaza following the recent conflict with Israel.
Politicians from 80 countries meeting in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh next week will include US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and French president Nicholas Sarkozy.
EU foreign ministers agreed at a meeting in Brussels today that member states should have a strong presence at the talks to continue its lead role in Mideast peace efforts.
The EU is the largest aid donor to the Palestinians and has strongly supported the reconstruction efforts so far.
More than 1,000 people were killed and tens of thousands were made homeless in Israel’s four-week onslaught on Gaza in December and January.
Mr Martin today told his EU counterparts in Brussels that the Government remained concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
“The situation remains very difficult, with just a third of required aid entering Gaza,” he said.
“Thousands of people remain homeless, while public buildings, schools and commercial premises have also been destroyed.
“Improving the situation for people on the ground must remain a top priority.”
Ireland provides €8 million in aid to Palestinians each year and allocated a further €500,000 in humanitarian assistance following the recent conflict.
Minister Martin also briefed his EU counterparts on his historic visit to Cuba last week.
The minister also told the General Affairs & External Relations Council meeting that he had frank talks on several issues with the Cuban Government.
“Cuba clearly has an interest in further developing its relationship with the EU following the lifting of sanctions last years,” he said.
The Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque also engaged with him on a wide range of issues including human rights.
“Mr Martin hopes the EU will encourage a further opening-up of Cuban society by engaging further with the government in Havana and promoting economic and political links,” said a spokesman.