The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Sir
, is in Dublin today (Monday 24
August) for his first visit to the Republic of Ireland since
taking office.
The Secretary of State will hold bilateral meetings with
Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee
TD, and Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan TD, to discuss
shared priorities, including economic growth, joint security, and
both governments' commitments on addressing the legacy of the
past.
During the visit, the Secretary of State will attend a roundtable
with key business leaders from across the UK and Ireland to
explore opportunities for unlocking Northern Ireland's economic
potential, boosting cross-border trade and encouraging
investment.
The Secretary of State will be joined by Northern Ireland
Minister Baroness Ruth Anderson and His Majesty's Ambassador to
Dublin, Kara Owen, throughout the day's engagements.
Speaking ahead of his engagements in Dublin, Sir , said:
The UK-Ireland relationship is fundamental to our shared security
and prosperity, and has been significantly strengthened over the
past two years.
I am committed to working collaboratively with ministers in
Dublin to foster joint cooperation, uphold the Good Friday
Agreement and deliver on the commitments on legacy that both
governments have made under the Joint Framework.
I am also here today to make the case for Northern Ireland's
immense economic potential, and for trade and investment that
benefits communities both in Northern Ireland and across these
shared islands.