LONDON 

The Irish foreign minister on Tuesday announced the opening of five new overseas missions, including embassies in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Moldova. 

In a statement, Micheal Martin said that Ireland will open five new overseas missions as part of the Global Ireland program, "further strengthening Ireland’s global presence and influence."

The announcement came after approval from the government that includes the opening of new embassies in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Moldova, and new consulates general in Spain's Malaga and Australia's Melbourne.

The Irish government also discussed the possibility of a mission presence in the future in another Balkan country, Montenegro, "given Ireland’s strong support for its EU candidacy."

"Ireland is broadening its existing networks and building new partnerships across the world," said Martin, saying that today’s decision will bring to 27 the number of new missions opened since 2018.

"This expansion is amplifying Ireland’s voice in the world," he added.