The Taoiseach will meet with Prime Minister Rob Jetten of the Netherlands in The Hague this evening (Wednesday, April 8).

The Leaders will discuss preparations for Ireland's Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of the year as well as bilateral relations and international issues, including the situations in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Taoiseach said:

"I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Jetten this evening. The Netherlands and Ireland are like-minded partners on many EU and global issues.

"Our discussions will focus on Ireland's EU Presidency preparations. It is important to hear directly from European leaders on their priorities across the range of issues that Ireland will be seeking to progress during the six months of our Presidency.

"Europe needs to improve its competitiveness to deliver for its citizens. We will be strongly focussed on that. We need to agree a new EU budget that is efficient and that can meet our shared ambitions. And we need to do more to ensure our collective security.

"We will also discuss global issues, including the very serious situations in the Middle East and Ukraine."