(L-R): Luxembourg embassy staff, Ambassador Ensch, Minister Backes, Prime Minister Bettel;

Luxembourg's Prime Minister, Xavier Bettel, and the Minister of Finance, Yuriko Backes, are currently on an official visit to Dublin, Ireland, accompanied by an Official Delegation and a Trade Delegation.

On the first day of the visit, Monday 12 June 2023, the official delegation visited the site of future Embassy / Consulate of Luxembourg in Dublin and unveiled the crest/coat of arms before a few short speeches.

Prime Minister Bettel stated: "This is an important step. We have had long relations with the Irish government (the first diplomatic relations between the two countries started in 1961). Since Brexit there is a special relationship with Ireland and we must remember the Good Friday Agreement". He said that there are currently around 150 students from Luxembourg in Dublin. He stressed "we are both competitors and work together". He then added that St Willibrord (the Patron Saint of Luxembourg) was from Ireland. He joked another link / similarity that "we are close in the number of times winning the Eurovision Song Contest". He then referenced the 45-member-strong economic delegation from the Grand Duchy, in primarily the digital economy and maritime and logistics sectors, who will attend an Ireland-Luxembourg Business Forum on Tuesday. He also referenced celebrating at different embassies and said he was looking forward to celebrate Luxembourg's national day at a reception tomorrow in Dublin. 

Minister Backes stated that she was extremely glad to be in Dublin and inaugurate the new embassy. She mentioned she was looking forward to meeting the President of the Eurogroup, Paschal Donoghue, as well as Ireland's Minister of Finance, Michael McGrath. 

Director General Alma Ni Choigligh said that she was delighted that Prime Minister Bettel would be meeting so many people during his official trip to Ireland.

Florence Ensch, Luxembourg's Ambassador to Ireland, welcomed those present, including "friends of Luxembourg" and neighbours, to a glass of crémant after the unveiling. Speaking with Chronicle.lu, she explained that the consular office of the embassy will be located on the ground floor which will facilitate easy access (i.e. no steps to climb), and that the Ambassador's residence will also be available to be used to host meetings and receptions.