Ireland’s Ambassador to Türkiye opposes Trump’s Gaza displacement plan

Ireland’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Clare Brosnan, has expressed strong opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza, stating, “It is important to say that we do not believe Palestinians should be forced to leave their country.”

Brosnan made the remarks during an interview with Anadolu Agency, discussing Türkiye-Ireland relations and global issues.

Ireland’s stance on Trump’s Gaza plan

Addressing Trump’s proposal, Brosnan reiterated Ireland’s commitment to a two-state solution. “Despite real challenges, it is important that we continue to support a two-state solution,” she said.

The ambassador emphasized that Ireland remains committed to advocating for a peaceful and humanitarian resolution for Palestinians, Gazans, and Israelis.

She stated that Ireland will continue sharing its perspective on supporting Palestine’s future within the international community.

Brosnan underscored that Palestinians should not be displaced but rather supported in their own homes.

Strong Türkiye-Ireland relations

Discussing bilateral relations, Brosnan highlighted the strong ties between Türkiye and Ireland. She noted that every year, a significant number of Irish tourists visit Türkiye, while many Turkish citizens move to Ireland for work, education, and residency.

“The people of Türkiye and Ireland have a very strong relationship,” she said, adding that both countries remain committed to multilateral institutions and a rules-based international order.

“We are going through a critical period in our region. Ireland places great importance on supporting multilateral efforts with Türkiye,” she added.

Brosnan pointed to the recent meeting between the foreign ministers of both countries at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Summit as a testament to their commitment to multilateral diplomacy.

“We have excellent relations with Türkiye in trade, politics, and people-to-people relations,” she stated, adding that her tenure as ambassador in Ankara will focus on strengthening these ties further.

Ireland’s support for Türkiye’s EU accession

When asked about Ireland’s stance on Türkiye’s accession to the European Union (EU), Brosnan affirmed her country’s support for EU enlargement.

“Ireland is in favor of EU expansion, and we believe every country that meets the criteria should be supported,” she said.

She noted Ireland values continued collaboration with Türkiye, emphasizing positive momentum in EU-Türkiye relations.

“As part of the EU, Ireland strongly supports recent developments and the continuation of good relations between the EU and Türkiye,” Brosnan stated.

US-Europe relations

Regarding tensions between the United States and European nations, Brosnan cited the recent St. Patrick’s Day event in Washington, attended by Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and President Trump, as a sign of ongoing cooperation. “One of the key messages from the event was that Europe, Ireland, and the U.S. will continue working together,” she said.

While acknowledging challenges in transatlantic relations, Brosnan emphasized that differences do not prevent cooperation. “There are always issues we don’t agree on, but that is something we experience with many countries,” she said.

“We don’t have to agree on everything to work well together. That’s the nature of international relations—to be your own country while collaborating closely with others,” she added.

Russia-Ukraine war and calls for ceasefire

Brosnan described the U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war as a potential opportunity for peace and called for international support for the initiative.

She commended Türkiye’s previous mediation efforts between Russia and Ukraine and expressed hope that momentum toward a ceasefire could be regained.

“We must maintain hope for peace in Ukraine,” she said, urging Russia to agree to a ceasefire. “Ensuring a sustainable and peaceful resolution is possible, and we will continue to support this goal.”

Syria’s new government and sanctions policy

Regarding Syria’s new government, Brosnan expressed cautious optimism about its potential to bring peace and stability to the country.

She emphasized that any resolution should be inclusive of all groups and respect Syria’s territorial integrity.

She also commented on EU sanctions on Syria, stating that lifting them should be done in a controlled and reversible manner. “We are working within the EU to assess the gradual lifting of sanctions and will continue engaging appropriately,” she said.