Taoiseach meets Macron in Paris to celebrate France and Ireland's 'strong historic ties'

The Taoiseach and the French president are meeting in Paris today (November 24) to celebrate deepening ties between France and Ireland. 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will attend a working lunch with President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée, where they will discuss important issues on the EU agenda including the energy crisis and the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

Speaking about the visit, Martin said, "I am greatly looking forward to my meeting with President Macron. It comes at a time when relations between Ireland and France have never been better.
 
"I am especially pleased that we will not only be able to celebrate the strong historic ties between us, but we will be welcoming new momentum in our relationship, with plans for the Celtic Inter-Connector advancing, and increasing maritime links connecting Irish businesses to the Single Market and supporting the development of tourism.
 
"We will also, of course, discuss the big challenges facing Europe and the wider world - energy, the slowing economic outlook, and the immoral war Russia is waging on Ukraine.
 
"As winter approaches, and as Russia continues its relentless attacks on vital civilian infrastructure, Ukraine’s citizens are facing into a very difficult winter without heat and electricity. I will be discussing with President Macron how the EU can continue to provide the humanitarian support Ukraine will need." 

While in Paris, Martin will also visit the Irish College, home of the Centre Culturel Irlandais (Irish Cultural Centre), where he will meet with representatives of the Irish Community in France.
 
He will give the keynote address at the Ireland France Business Awards Dinner on Thursday evening, while on Friday he will attend a signing ceremony for the Celtic Inter-Connector, the historic project to link electricity grids in Ireland and France. 
 
Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, and the French Minister for Energy Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, will also attend the event. 
 
The Taoiseach will also address a business breakfast at the Irish Embassy which will focus on energy cooperation between Ireland and France.