PRESS RELEASE : Northern Ireland Secretary meets US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs [January 2023]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 24 January 2023.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP met US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joe Kennedy III today in Washington DC.

This was their first in person meeting during Heaton-Harris’s first US visit as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. In the 25th year of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement they discussed plans to mark the anniversary in the UK and the US. They also spoke about ways of increasing trade and investment opportunities to continue building on the successful partnership.

Commenting after the meeting, Heaton-Harris said:

It was brilliant to meet Joe Kennedy III for the first time in person and hear about his plans for the Special Envoy role and his vision for Northern Ireland. Joe has been vocal in his commitment to the prosperity of Northern Ireland and I expressed the value of his support and partnership as we work together to continue to strengthen the NI economy.

We shared views on how we can best showcase Northern Ireland as a great place to live, work, do business and how to continue attracting US investment.

We also discussed US engagement to mark the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, an incredible achievement for Northern Ireland of which US support was instrumental.