HomeAustriaForeign Minister Schallenberg welcomes Irish President Higgins to Vienna

Foreign Minister Schallenberg welcomes Irish President Higgins to Vienna

On 6 April 2022, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg welcomed Irish President Michael D. Higgins together with Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The courtesy visit took place during the official state visit of Ireland’s President to Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen.

In addition to current developments in the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and its impact on the European security architecture, the exchange also focused on the EU’s relations with the United Kingdom, particularly in light of the upcoming general election in Northern Ireland.

Foreign Minister Schallenberg again condemned the atrocities committed in Bucha and other Ukrainian cities, and called for a swift investigation of all crimes.

The people, the military and political leaders who are responsible for this, must be held accountable. The UN Commission of Inquiry in Vienna and the International Criminal Court will play an important role in this process,

said Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine has permanently changed the security landscape of Europe, the neutrality of both countries was also a topic of discussion, with Ireland and Austria sharing a similar view of neutrality.

From our point of view, military neutrality does not mean political neutrality. We will not remain silent when the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of a state is under attack,

says Foreign Minister Schallenberg.

With regard to future relations between the EU and the United Kingdom, Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg assured Irish President Higgins as well as Ireland’s Minister for Europe Byrne that Austria supports the position of the EU, especially Ireland, that there will be no renegotiation of the Northern Ireland Protocol. Foreign Minister Schallenberg also stressed that the EU and the United Kingdom will remain close partners with shared values, because the unity of the West is more important than ever in the face of Russian aggression.

Source

Stay Connected
255FansLike
473FollowersFollow
Must Read
Related News