Simon Harris to meet world's foreign ministers in South Africa as Ireland takes part in G20 for first time

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris is expected to have bilateral meetings with ministers from Brazil, Canada, Singapore, Mexico, Britain, South Africa and the UAE.

Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris will meet with foreign ministers from the world's largest economies in South Africa on Thursday and Friday as Ireland takes part in the G20 for the first time.

Ireland has been invited as a guest nation to the G20 by this year's hosts, South Africa.

While Ireland's invite is officially based on "longstanding cooperation on a range of issues" with South Africa, the inclusion of both Norway and Spain as guests — two countries which recognised the state of Palestine on the same day as Ireland — is seen as indicative the countries' stance on Gaza played at least some part. 

Ireland formally joined a case brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice in January.

The first meeting of the G20 calendar will see foreign affairs ministers come together in Johannesburg for two days this week, with a focus on trade and recent geopolitical developments. Taoiseach Micheál Martin will take part in a meeting of heads of government in November.

Mr Harris is expected to have bilateral meetings with ministers from Brazil, Canada, Singapore, Mexico, Britain, South Africa and the UAE. It is understood there are no plans for him to meet with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov.

A Government statement said "global trade and current political developments are being discussed" at the meeting, with Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe set to have meetings in South Africa next week.

The G20, or Group of 20, is an intergovernmental forum comprising the world’s leading economies to discuss international economic and financial stability. It represents 19 nations, the EU and the African Union and combined represents 85% of the global population.

The G20 foreign ministers are meeting for the first time under South Africa’s presidency over the two days. The Tánaiste is also expected to undertake a number of bilateral meetings with counterparts from other G20 countries while in Johannesburg.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr Harris said: “We were honoured to take up South Africa’s invitation to participate at the G20 this year. South Africa’s presidency of the G20 is happening at a pivotal time. As a small, open and highly networked economy, we believe Ireland has an important voice in discussions on global trade and investment as well as sustainable development.

“Not only will this mark Ireland’s first engagement at the G20, it is also the first time the G20 has been held in Africa. Our invitation to participate is a reflection of the long and proud tradition Ireland has of supporting global development, particularly as it relates to Africa. 

The whole-of-Government approach we are taking to our engagement with the G20 this year indicates how seriously we value the opportunity to input to this important forum.

“Ireland is committed to an open and fair-trading system, underpinned by the multilateral, rules-based system. Free and fair trade brings economic opportunities, creates well-paid jobs, fosters innovation and builds economic resilience. This is essential for Ireland, as it is for so many other smaller states around the world.” 

US secretary of state Marco Rubio will not, however, be in attendance. He has said the G20 is anti-American, another sign of the Trump administration's indifference to global organisations.