51. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she met formally with the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince during her recent visit to the Gulf region. [55616/26]

My recent visit to Saudi Arabia was part of a broader visit to the Gulf to engage with some of Ireland's partners in the region, and express solidarity with them after months of conflict and of instability.

Ireland maintains positive bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia, spanning more than 50 years and underpinned by strong people-to-people ties. Saudi Arabia is one of Ireland’s key economic partners in the region, with significant investment and trade.

In Saudi Arabia, I had a positive meeting with my counterpart, the Foreign Minister, His Excellency Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. We discussed the regional situation and our strong bilateral relations.

I met separately with some members of the Irish community and with accomplished Saudi women, including graduates of Irish universities, where I heard first-hand about the country's social and economic transformation and the contribution Irish expertise is making.

I did not meet with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.