Martin flies out to join trade mission

Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin leaves today for a week-long visit to the Middle East and Gulf region.

Mr Martin has engagements in Beirut and Syria tomorrow and Tuesday and will later join President Mary McAleese's state visit to the United Arab Emirates.

The Irish delegation in the Gulf, which also includes Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe, aims to promote trade and investment opportunities with major cities Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Mr Martin said: "The Gulf is increasingly important in the global economy and it is vital at this time that we send out the message that Ireland remains an attractive location for investment and that we are working together as a people to take the measures necessary to resume our strong growth."

Mr Martin will tomorrow meet Syria's political and religious leaders in Damascus.

On Tuesday, the TD will hold talks with senior members of the Lebanese government in Beirut.

The minister will also travel to southern Lebanon to visit the headquarters of the Unifil peace-keeping mission and meet with Irish officers serving with Unifil.

Mr Martin will receive an update on the security situation facing troops in the region.

Mr Martin said the timing of his visit to the Middle East is important in view of the recent Israeli offensive in Gaza and general peace process efforts in the region.

"Syria and Lebanon are two strategically important countries in the region and I look forward to discussing with their leaders the many challenges which the international community faces in the aftermath of the Gaza conflict," he said.

On the talks agenda will be the humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Gaza and the need for the full opening of border crossings.