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The T\u00e1naiste has embarked on a two-day visit to Finland, Estonia and Lithuania.<\/p>\nThe T\u00e1naiste has embarked on a two-day visit to Finland, Estonia and Lithuania.<\/p>\n
During the trip, Simon Coveney is set to meet with the foreign ministers of each of the nations.<\/p>\n
The implications for Ireland from the UK\u2019s imminent departure from the European Union is set to be high on the agenda during those meetings.<\/p>\n
EU foreign policy and the future of Europe are also expected to be among the topics discussed.<\/p>\n
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the T\u00e1naiste\u2019s visit aims to \u201cfurther strengthen Ireland\u2019s bilateral relations with key Nordic and Baltic EU member states\u201d.<\/p>\n
Speaking ahead of the trip, Mr Coveney said he will emphasize that Ireland wants the \u201cclosest possible relationship between the EU and UK\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur relationships with Finland, Estonia and Lithuania are important and they are strong,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis visit is a valuable opportunity for me to meet in person with those foreign ministers in their own capitals and to express our appreciation for the solidarity on Brexit which they continue to demonstrate.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will emphasize that Ireland wants the closest possible relationship between the EU and the UK, including on trade, in order to minimize the impact on our trade and economy, and that it is vital that the EU\u2019s single market and customs union are fully protected.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will also discuss key issues of international importance on the EU external agenda, particularly the Middle East peace process and the EU\u2019s engagement with the US and with Russia.\u201d<\/p>\n