Northern Ireland Secretary to emphasise importance of UK-Irish economic ties in first visit to Dublin
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Sir Chris Bryant, is in Dublin today (Monday 24 August).
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Sir Chris Bryant, 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 Chris Bryant, 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.
ENDS