Welsh first minister to meet Coveney in bid to strengthen ties

Wales and Ireland will seek to strengthen political and economic ties when Welsh first minister Mark Drakeford hosts Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney and Minister of State for Trade Robert Troy in Cardiff on Friday.

Mr Drakeford told The Irish Times he saw the inaugural Ireland Wales Forum as an opportunity to build on his country’s relationship with its closest European Union neighbour.

“The forum is a symbol of our joint commitment to strengthening our existing ties at political, economic and cultural level. As we look ahead to the Cop26 summit in Glasgow the forum will be a chance to discuss co-operation on green energy and climate action. This is an important milestone to discuss challenges and opportunities on trade, the Celtic Sea and our shared ambitions to meet Net Zero targets,” he said.

“These talks are another example of bonds strengthening between the two Celtic countries.I look forward to continuing to build on our existing relationship and deepen co-operation with our closest European Union neighbour.”

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The meeting will include discussions of recent political events and bilateral relations, trade promotion and economic development and energy and climate action.

Mr Coveney will later open Ireland’s new consulate premises in Cardiff.