Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, First Minister
On 24 and 25 June 2026, I undertook visits to Dublin and London.
The sixth annual Ireland-Wales Ministerial Forum in Dublin was my first overseas visit since becoming First Minister and an important opportunity to set out an early commitment to this enduring relationship.
I met with Helen McEntee TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, to review how our two countries can work together to deliver the Shared Statement that sets out cooperation in six priority areas: Political and Official Engagement; Climate, Energy, Environment and Sustainability; Economy and Trade; Education, Research and Innovation; Culture, Language and Heritage; and Communities, Diaspora and Sport.
During the Forum, I had the opportunity to hear from recipients of the Charlemont Grant Scheme on research projects that have been developed for Ireland and Wales and how the joint working between our countries has strengthened academic and research links. I announced support for Wales Early Career Researchers to build networks and new partnerships in Ireland for 2026-27 during the visit.
I joined a panel discussion, hosted by the Irish Government on sports diplomacy, the importance of support for grassroots participation, as well as using sport to promote cultural exchange and strengthen international relationships.
As part of my visit, I met with the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, and was received at the Áras an Uachtaráin by the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly.
On 25 June, I was in London to meet with the EU Ambassador to the UK, HE Pedro Serrano, and the 27 EU Heads of Mission. This was an important event to mark Wales’s commitment to closer working with Europe on the 10th anniversary of the EU Referendum. With Ireland about to take up Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and the visit to Ireland on the previous day, these two events demonstrated our commitment to working more closely with the EU on matters and issues relevant to Wales.
I set out my ambitions to strengthen economic and cultural ties with Europe at a roundtable for EU Heads of Mission, during which I re-affirmed my wish to work with partners to reset the relationship with the EU and heard how they could support this work.