Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford and Simon Coveney, Ireland’s Foreign Affairs Minister, are to meet at the second Wales-Ireland Forum, where they will discuss the cost-of-living crisis and renewable energy.
Both governments see offshore wind is seen by both governments as a significant opportunity to improve the energy security of their respective nations, with discussions surrounding climate change and renewable energy featuring prominently over the course of the two-day event.
Playing a key part in discussions to strengthen the political and economic ties between the two nations will be Welsh Economy Minister Vaughan Gething, as well as Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths. They will play important roles in discussions with Irish Government representatives Minister Heather Humphreys, Minister Michael McGrath ad Minister Dara Callleary.
The Welsh First Minister said:
“I am delighted to travel to Ireland to co-chair the second Ireland-Wales Forum, building on the success of the inaugural forum in Wales last year.
“This provides the platform to continue to strengthen our relationship and deliver against the Shared Statement and Joint Action Plan Minister Coveney and I launched in March last year.
“I am pleased to be joined by the Economy Minister and the Minister for Rural Affairs and I have the opportunity to visit Dublin and Cork, meeting people working collaboratively on projects in a number of sectors across Ireland and Wales.”
The Irish and Welsh governments signed a Shared Statement and Joint Action Plan in March 2021, which commits both administrations to strengthening the bonds between the two governments. At the event, ports and border control will also be discussed, as the governments work together to find practical solutions to many of the challenges being faced thanks to Britain’s exit from the European Union.
