In brief
President Zelensky's visit comes as a significant moment, marking the first official trip to Ireland by a Ukrainian head of state. This visit signifies the strong relations between Ireland and Ukraine amidst ongoing efforts to support Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin in Dublin on Tuesday. It will be the first official visit to Ireland by a Ukrainian president and first lady. President Zelensky will also meet newly-inaugurated Irish President Catherine Connolly on a courtesy call, the Irish government has said. He is also scheduled to attend the inauguration of the Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum, alongside the Tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) Simon Harris and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee.The visit comes at a poignant time, with over 120,000 Ukrainian refugees having sought asylum in Ireland since the war's inception in February 2022. Currently, about 80,000 remain in Ireland. The Irish government emphasizes the visit as an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between the two nations and express solidarity in the face of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.Taoiseach Micheál Martin has highlighted the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people, enduring harsh realities as they defend their homeland. He looks forward to discussing on how Ireland can further assist Ukraine in its quest for peace and recovery. This diplomatic engagement underscores Ireland's unwavering support for Ukraine amidst its struggles and illustrates the valued contributions of the Ukrainian community within Ireland.
