The Secretary of State will use his first visit to the US to
build on the already strong US-NI partnership and to drum up
investment opportunities in Northern Ireland.
will also meet with
range of key political, business and civic organisation including
the State Department, the National Security Council, members of
congress, business and trade organisations and councils and the
Ad Hoc Committee to Protect the Good Friday Agreement – as part
of routine US-UK engagement on Northern Ireland issues.
While there, he will also highlight his efforts in securing
functioning devolved institutions to deliver for the people of
Northern Ireland, and separately, this year’s 25th anniversary of
the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, which will be marked by
celebrations on both sides of the Atlantic.
During his five day visit, the Secretary of State will meet with
Joe Kennedy III for their first in-person meeting since his
appointment as US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic
Affairs. They will discuss the upcoming Trade and Investment
event in NI, announced in the Autumn Statement, and further
opportunities to showcase NI’s creative high-tech business
environment and the unique trade and investment opportunities it
offers.
Before departing for Washington, Heaton-Harris said:
I am excited to meet US stakeholders in person for the first time
as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The US has been
pivotal in supporting Northern Ireland. I greatly value our
partnership and look forward to deepening our collaboration,
especially in areas of trade and investment.
Through a busy agenda of meetings with business and government
representatives I will raise awareness of Northern Ireland’s
offering as a great place to live, work and do business and
encourage continued trade and investment opportunities from the
US.
As the 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement
approaches, I look forward to discussing with US stakeholders the
UK Government’s plans to mark this significant milestone. The US
and UK share a commitment to upholding the Agreement and
continuing to transform Northern Ireland for the better.
