TANAISTE Simon Harris today asked China’s Foreign Minister to use his country’s influence to help end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Minister Harris met with foreign minister Wang Yi in Government buildings in Dublin to discuss strengthening trade between Ireland and China.
This year marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
During the meeting, Minister Harris asked China to use its influence on Russia to try bring about an end to the war in Ukraine.
Speaking after the meeting, the Tanaiste said: “I asked that China use its influence on Russia to end their illegal invasion of Ukraine.
“Any peaceful solution to the war in Ukraine must be based on the UN Charter and must respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“There can be no discussion about the future of Ukraine, without Ukraine.
“We also discussed the crisis in Israel and Palestine, including in the context of China’s role as President of the United Nations Security Council this month.
“We agreed that the ceasefire and hostage release deal must be implemented and that all involved must meet their commitments, including further releases of hostages and ensuring continuing humanitarian aid into Gaza.”
This comes after the Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky told world leaders on February 15 that it’s time create a European army to combat Russia as the United States may no longer stand with the EU.
The war time leader met with Taoiseach Micheal Martin at the annual Security Conference in Munich, Germany.
In a speech, President Zelensky said Europe cannot rule out the possibility that America might say no to Europe on issues that threaten it.
He said that European leaders must now consider creating a joint army.
He said: “I really believe that time has come. The armed forces of Europe must be created.
“Here in Munich, the US vice president made it clear [that] decades of the old relationship between Europe and America are ending.
“From now on things will be different and Europe needs to adjust to that.”
PEACE DEAL TALKS
Zelenskyy also alluded to a phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week about ending the war in Ukraine.
After this phone call, Trump said the two leaders would likely meet soon to negotiate a peace deal over Ukraine.
Trump later assured Zelenskyy that he, too, would have a seat at the table to end the war that was sparked by Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris were both in Munich for the Security Conference with the Taoiseach meeting President Zelensky to bilateral talks.
The Fianna Fail leader also told how he will engage with others leaders to discuss Russia’s “ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine”.
‘STEADFAST SUPPORT’
He said: “It is more important than ever to stress our steadfast support for Ukraine and our strong commitment to helping them achieve a just and sustainable peace based on the principles of the UN Charter.
“The terms and conditions for any peace agreement must be in line with these principles.
“There can be no agreement on Ukraine without Ukraine.”
Simon Harris amet with China’s foreign minister Wang Yi today[/caption]
