Taoiseach Micheál Martin has held an hour-long meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at his La Moncloa residence in Madrid.
It is understood that the Taoiseach outlined Ireland’s priorities ahead of its presidency of the EU beginning in July.
Both leaders also discussed the current crisis in the Middle East, the Ukraine war and EU-US trade relations, as well as European competitiveness and the next seven-year EU budget.
It is understood that both countries will set up a joint action plan to advance policy areas of mutual benefit.
Mr Sánchez is understood to have recalled his time learning English in Dublin as a teenager.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin held an hour-long meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez
Mr Sánchez has emerged as the EU’s most vocal critic of a bombing campaign by the US and Israel on Iran, calling it a “violation of international law”.
He has come under pressure from US President Donald Trump as a result, who threatened “cut off all trade with Spain”.
The Irish Government has said that while the US-Israeli military offensive on Iran took place without a UN mandate, it stopped short of saying that it contravened international law.
Mr Martin’s meeting with Mr Sánchez comes a week before he meets Mr Trump in the Oval Office on St Patrick’s Day.
Mr Martin’s trip to Madrid is part of several to EU capitals ahead of Ireland taking up the EU presidency for six months from July.
Earlier, the Taoiseach said he was looking forward to meeting Mr Sánchez in the Spanish capital.
“The success of our presidency will rely on the goodwill of our EU partners, and therefore it is important that I hear from my fellow EU leaders on what their priorities and concerns are on the range of issues that Ireland will be seeking to progress during the six months of our presidency,” Mr Martin said ahead of the meeting.
“Improving Europe’s competitiveness, enhancing our security, and promoting and protecting our shared values will be the priority issues for our presidency.
“Across these areas, there are many detailed and complex files which we will be tasked with advancing, not least the EU’s next multiannual budget.
“I will also discuss global issues with Prime Minister Sánchez, including the serious situations in the Middle East and Ukraine.
“Ireland and Spain share excellent bilateral relations, built on strong historical links and close cultural affinity, and I look forward to discussing how we can work together to further strengthen cooperation on trade, investment, energy, education, research and culture.”
Additional reporting: PA