Deputy Secretary General in Dublin: NATO is committed to partnership with Ireland

Meeting with Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Niall Burgess, the Deputy Secretary General praised Ireland’s contributions to international peace and security, including through its contributions to UN and EU peacekeeping operations, as well as the NATO-led peacekeeping force in Kosovo. While stressing NATO’s firm respect for Ireland’s military neutrality, she praised the country’s cooperation with NATO, which benefits both NATO and Ireland in today’s challenging security environment.

The Deputy Secretary General also held separate talks with the Secretary General of the Department of Defence, Maurice Quinn and the Irish Chief of Defence, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett. The leaders discussed Ireland’s expertise in fields that are important to NATO, such as peacekeeping, countering improvised explosive devices, and women, peace and security.

As part of her visit, the Deputy Secretary General met with women who were involved in the Northern Irish peace process, as well as international peacekeepers, academics and senior civilian and military officials. She stressed that Ireland is an international leader in peacekeeping operations, and praised the country’s efforts to enhance interoperability with Allied forces.

The Deputy Secretary General also delivered a speech at the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA), as part of a discussion on ‘The Resilience of 1325: Women, Peace and Security’. She thanked Ireland for its leadership in this field, stressing that NATO benefits from Ireland’s expertise and active engagement. Ireland currently contributes an advisor to the Office of the NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security. The Deputy Secretary General also explained how NATO makes a difference in the field of gender equality, including by deploying gender advisors in NATO missions, protecting civilians, and promoting women at all levels of the Alliance.