Menu
06/02/2002
NI Executive seek to build bridges in America
Northern Ireland's First Minister and Deputy First Minister have opened the second of two offices designed to strengthen overseas trade and cultural links.
The Executive's Washington office, situated just minutes away from the White House, was opened by David Trimble and Mark Durkan who visited the US political capitol to give their ministerial seal of approval for the Northern Ireland Bureau on Wednesday evening.
The two men are on the second leg of a weeklong stateside visit and have engaged in a busy schedule of high-level meetings during their stay in the United States of America.
On Tuesday Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan met with President Bush's Special advisor on Northern Ireland Richard Haass and National Security Adviser, Dr Condaleezza Rice in Washington.
Speaking after their meetings, both ministers stressed how "invaluable" America's support has been throughout Northern Ireland's peace journey.
Mr Trimble said: “We have been through some difficult political times in Northern Ireland over the past few years and there are still challenges ahead. What we need now is a period of stability so that the devolved institutions can bed down.
Mr Durkan added: “America has provided invaluable support and reassurance for Northern Ireland over many years and through many difficult times. The First Minister and I are pleased that Northern Ireland remains on President Bush’s agenda.
“We intend to use our new Executive office in Washington to build upon that goodwill. Our focus will be on developing economic and political support as we take responsibility for our own affairs, working to provide stable government."
The Ministers recently opened an office in Brussels, which will also be used by Executive officials to boost trade and forge links to raise the profile of Northern Ireland. (AMcE)
The Executive's Washington office, situated just minutes away from the White House, was opened by David Trimble and Mark Durkan who visited the US political capitol to give their ministerial seal of approval for the Northern Ireland Bureau on Wednesday evening.
The two men are on the second leg of a weeklong stateside visit and have engaged in a busy schedule of high-level meetings during their stay in the United States of America.
On Tuesday Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan met with President Bush's Special advisor on Northern Ireland Richard Haass and National Security Adviser, Dr Condaleezza Rice in Washington.
Speaking after their meetings, both ministers stressed how "invaluable" America's support has been throughout Northern Ireland's peace journey.
Mr Trimble said: “We have been through some difficult political times in Northern Ireland over the past few years and there are still challenges ahead. What we need now is a period of stability so that the devolved institutions can bed down.
Mr Durkan added: “America has provided invaluable support and reassurance for Northern Ireland over many years and through many difficult times. The First Minister and I are pleased that Northern Ireland remains on President Bush’s agenda.
“We intend to use our new Executive office in Washington to build upon that goodwill. Our focus will be on developing economic and political support as we take responsibility for our own affairs, working to provide stable government."
The Ministers recently opened an office in Brussels, which will also be used by Executive officials to boost trade and forge links to raise the profile of Northern Ireland. (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 January 2002
Northern Ireland Executive opens European offices in Brussels
David Trimble and Mark Durkan arrived in Brussels on Tuesday January 29, to put their seal of approval on a new £500,000-a-year office designed to spearhead Northern Ireland's interests in Europe.
Northern Ireland Executive opens European offices in Brussels
David Trimble and Mark Durkan arrived in Brussels on Tuesday January 29, to put their seal of approval on a new £500,000-a-year office designed to spearhead Northern Ireland's interests in Europe.
14 May 2003
Magherafelt gets £1.3m benefits office
The opening of a £1.3 million Jobs and Benefits Office in Magherafelt has demonstrated government’s continued commitment to social and financial inclusion.
Magherafelt gets £1.3m benefits office
The opening of a £1.3 million Jobs and Benefits Office in Magherafelt has demonstrated government’s continued commitment to social and financial inclusion.
17 July 2014
Northern Ireland DVA Offices Close
The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) has finally closed, meaning people in Northern Ireland will no longer be able to tax or register vehicles at DVA offices locally. The announcement follows the decision to relocate the services to Swansea in Wales.
Northern Ireland DVA Offices Close
The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) has finally closed, meaning people in Northern Ireland will no longer be able to tax or register vehicles at DVA offices locally. The announcement follows the decision to relocate the services to Swansea in Wales.
22 September 2004
Knowledge-based industries 'important' to NI economy
Knowledge-based industries have the potential to add greater wealth to the local economy but this can only be realised if rates of technology transfer from research to business are significantly increased, Leslie Morrison, Chief Executive of Invest NI said today.
Knowledge-based industries 'important' to NI economy
Knowledge-based industries have the potential to add greater wealth to the local economy but this can only be realised if rates of technology transfer from research to business are significantly increased, Leslie Morrison, Chief Executive of Invest NI said today.
09 September 2002
Adams sees 'no benefit' in independent ceasefire monitoring
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has said that setting up an independent assessor to monitor paramilitary ceasefires would be of "no benefit" to the peace process.
Adams sees 'no benefit' in independent ceasefire monitoring
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has said that setting up an independent assessor to monitor paramilitary ceasefires would be of "no benefit" to the peace process.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
