The Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney is in Russia to meet the country's foreign minister.

Mr Coveney is visiting the capital Moscow, where he will meet Sergey Lavrov.

This visit is the first by an Irish minister for foreign affairs since 2011.

The Government says it presents an opportunity to discuss bilateral diplomatic ties between Ireland and the Russian Federation - now in their 46th year.

The discussions will also focus on economic cooperation, including the outcomes of the recent Ireland Russia Joint Economic Commission and regional and international issues.

In 2014, the EU imposed targeted economic sanctions against the Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine.

The duration of the sanctions is linked to the complete implementation of the Minsk peace agreements, brokered by Germany, France and the OSCE in 2014 and 2015.

Following an update to the European Council, the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and other EU leaders extended the sanctions for a further six months until January 2020.

Speaking in advance of the visit, Mr Coveney said: "Ireland fully supports the five principles that guide EU relations with Russia.

"Russia is a country where we wish to further our people to people contacts in particular and continue to support civil society actors.

"In that regard, I am pleased to announce Ireland is part-funding a Council of Europe project in Russia - Protection of the Rights of Entrepreneurs in the Russian Federation from Corrupt Practices at the Municipal Level.

"I will also take the opportunity to discuss key issues of mutual interest, including the Brexit negotiations, the situation in Ukraine and other regional issues, and the Council of Europe."