Ambassador Ruairí de Búrca

Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland

Ireland's Diplomatic Engagement in Latin America and the Caribbean

Ireland has long had significant diaspora and historical connections in Latin America and the Caribbean, but until the end of the 20^th century had only one diplomatic mission in the region. Ireland has opened six new missions since then as well as an Office for the Caribbean, and in 2023, Ireland launched its first Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean. The strategy is designed to provide a strong framework for Ireland to deepen its bilateral and multilateral relations with partners across thirty-three countries through innovative political, economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Then Director General for Ireland, UK and the Americas in Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ambassador Ruairi de Burca, briefed the Council on his country’s ambition to create new relationships and reinvigorate links with this key region, vital to our shared global order.

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