Taoiseach to attend UN Ocean Conference in Nice
The Fianna Fáil leader will travel to Nice for the inauguration, which will be hosted by French president Emmanuel Macron, before taking part in an event to launch the EU Ocean Pact tomorrow, hosted by Mr Macron and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The pact, which was adopted by the EU Commission last week, brings together a number of EU ocean policies under one framework and aims to better protect the oceans through working to restore degraded habitats and strengthening maritime economy, security, defence and diplomacy.
It also includes proposals to support coastal communities.
Mr Martin will then deliver a national statement on behalf of Ireland at the main plenary session of the conference before take part in a number of bilateral meetings.
He is expected to meet with the King of Jordan Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, prime minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, and Secretary John Kerry.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Mr Martin said Ireland is 'keenly aware' of the importance of the marine environment as an island nation, including for trade.
'I look forward to joining with fellow world leaders over the coming days to discuss and collaborate on ways to secure the future of our oceans and seas. As an island nation, Ireland is keenly aware of the importance of the marine environment and the other roles our waters play, including as a vital trade route,' he said.
'It will be a vital opportunity to discuss these matters with my counterparts, along with important global issues, including the Middle East and Ukraine.'
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