Taoiseach Simon Harris to meet French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris

French president Emmanuel Macron applauding during a BMX event at the Olympics. As well as meeting Mr Macron, Taoiseach Simon Harris will host a reception in Paris for Team Ireland athletes ahead of the Paralympic Games which start on August 28. Picture: Ricardo Mazalan/AP

Taoiseach Simon Harris is travelling to Paris today, Tuesday, to meet with French president Emmanuel Macron.

The meeting, which will take place at the Élysée Palace, comes ahead of the appointment of a new European Commission and the new European Parliament.

The two leaders will discuss issues on the EU Council agenda ahead of the autumn meetings as well as international issues such as the latest efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.

They will also focus on the EU's continued support for Ukraine.

As France is Ireland's closest EU neighbour, Mr Harris and Mr Macron will speak about bilateral matters including education and tourism as well as maritime connections and energy co-operation.

While in Paris, Mr Harris will host a reception for Team Ireland athletes ahead of the Paralympic Games which begin on August 28.

He will tour the athletes village which has been transformed since it closed its doors on August 13 after the conclusion of the Olympic Games.

The village had been built with inclusivity in mind from the start, but this final week was crucial for fine-tuning details to ensure that every aspect was perfectly suited to the para-athletes’ needs.