Simon Harris and Marco Rubio 'did not discuss Ireland-US trade imbalance'

In a statement released by the US secretary of state Marco Rubio following his phone call with Mr Harris this week, Mr Rubio's spokesperson said: 'They discussed the US priority to address the US-Ireland trade imbalance'. Photo: AP/Evan Vucci

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said the trade imbalance between Ireland and the US was not raised during his conversation with Marco Rubio, despite his US counterpart claiming it was.

In a statement released by the US secretary of state following his phone call with Mr Harris this week, Mr Rubio's spokesperson said: "They discussed the US priority to address the US-Ireland trade imbalance."

However, Mr Harris said the trade imbalance was not specifically referenced during the 20-minute conversation. When asked why the US administration claimed it had been part of the discussion, Mr Harris said: "The Americans obviously have their perspective in relation to the issue of trade."

The foreign affairs and trade minister said he was the one to raise the issue of trade with Mr Rubio, stressing the importance of the transatlantic trade relationship.

Mr Harris was speaking at a UK-Ireland summit held in Liverpool where he met with secretary of state for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn and discussed the Legacy Act.

The minister for foreign affairs said that while Ireland would like to be in a position where its European court case against the UK is no longer necessary, it is not at the point of dropping the case.

Ireland/UK links

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who was in attendance at the summit alongside Mr Harris and a number of ministers, said the gathering in Liverpool was one of the most extensive UK-Irish summits in a generation.

Mr Martin said there must be "very, very close co-operation" between Ireland and the UK when it comes to security issues. 

During their conversation around security, the rise in radicalisation leading to violence was discussed. Mr Martin said the two countries would continue to share knowledge, expertise, alerts and awareness around emerging trends.

Following his meeting with British prime minister Kier Starmer, Mr Martin said there have been "very concrete and substantial discussions" on economic relationships, trade, energy, security issues and migration.

"The joint statement we have released is very comprehensive and a number of work streams will now emanate from that which will provide greater opportunities for stronger connections, stronger synergies, stronger trade and investment," said Mr Martin.

In terms of trade, the leaders met with business groups in Liverpool, where Mr Martin said Ireland and the UK were identified by businesses as a safe haven in terms of investment.

Both men reaffirmed their commitment to working together on foreign and security policy, tackling threats to online safety and maritime security.

Mr Martin said there were positive exchanges on the topic of energy in particular noting that the green transition was a priority for both governments.

Ireland and the UK are "uniquely linked" and as such, share common long-term challenges including the need for secure, competitive, and sustainable sources of energy, the leaders said.