Tánaiste Simon Harris is in South Africa to attend a meeting of G20 foreign ministers in Johannesburg.
Global trade and current political developments are expected to be on the agenda.
Ireland is participating as a guest country throughout 2025 as part of South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
The G20 has 19 member countries including Australia, the UK and Russia. The EU and African Union also take part in G20 meetings.
G20 foreign ministers will meet for the first time under South Africa’s presidency on Thursday and Friday.
Russia has confirmed that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will also attend. The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is reportedly boycotting the meeting over disagreements with South Africa.
Before jetting off, the Tánaiste said Ireland is “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.”