Ireland’s relations with South America
The Minister outlined Ireland’s diplomatic representation and contacts in South America, noting that diplomatic expansion is reviewed in light of interests and available resources.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the development of relations between the Republic of Ireland and the countries in South America.
Comment on this
Ireland is represented by an ambassador in Buenos Aires and maintains diplomatic relations with Brazil and Venezuela on a non-resident basis. The establishment of diplomatic relations with other countries is kept under continuous review in the light of our international interests and the availability of the necessary financial and personnel resources. The absence of diplomatic relations does not preclude our having friendly contacts with South American countries which we maintain through the United Nations and other international organisations.
Ireland also has honorary consulates in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil, in Quito, Ecuador and in Lima, Peru.
In the context of the relationship between the European Community and the countries of Latin America, there was a significant development in December 1983 when an agreement between the Community and the Andean Pact countries was signed in Colombia. I attended the ceremony on behalf of Ireland. To mark the importance which the Andean Pact countries attach to this agreement, the signing ceremony was attended by the Presidents of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Panama and by the Vice-President of Peru. The agreement itself will make a major contribution towards the Andean Pact countries own efforts at regional integration and economic development. It will also allow for better co-ordination of EEC financed actions in the Andean Pact countries under the non-associated developing countries programme and will facilitate the development of trade, industrial co-operation and technology transfers.
In a separate development, the European Commission will shortly be forwarding to the Council of the European Communities a set of proposals aimed at stimulating relations between the EEC and Latin America. It is understood that the proposals will cover financial, energy, scientific and technical co-operation as well as promoting trade, training and cultural co-operation. Ireland will study these proposals carefully and participate actively in the ensuing discussions with a view to furthering Ireland's opportunities for the establishment of a mutually advantageous relationship with the countries of Latin America.
On the political side, we are concerned at the absence of democracy in some of the countries of South America. Consequently we welcome the return to democracy in Argentina.