Amidst a call for the rejuvenation of England-Ireland bonds post the controversies around Brexit, Taoiseach Simon Harris greeted the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for a working luncheon at Dublin’s Farmleigh House today, before planning to meet several corporate executives.
This will be followed by their presence for the Ireland-England football game at Lansdowne Road, later in the day. Upon their welcome, the leaders shared some off meeting hours strolling through Farmleigh’s gardens and posing for photographs. They encountered nine-year-old Freddie Munnelly from Castleknock, Dublin, a liver transplant recipient at London and met his family.
In the spirit of the occasion, the Munnelly family gifted the statesmen England and Ireland scarfs and they reciprocated by swapping England and Ireland football shirts. Ensuing, they found themselves in the state guest house library where Mr. Harris expressed optimism about the potential of reconstructing the UK and Ireland’s diplomatic ties. He indicated that the meeting shall pave a blueprint of the recalibration efforts.
Echoing Mr. Harris’ sentiments, Starmer addressed the meeting as a “turning point” and stressed their mutual obligation to uphold the Belfast Agreement, highlighting shared perspectives on topics such as Ukraine and Gaza. He proposed a quick ceasefire, aid assistance to Gaza, and freedom for hostages, aiming to advance a two-state resolution. Mr. Starmer pointed out that their second meet up within his first two months in office highlights both governments’ dedication to amending diplomatic links.
Their joint statement is anticipated later in the day.
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