Tenaiste Michael Martin begins a four-day visit to the United States with stops in Washington and Chicago.
Mr. Martin, Ireland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defence, arrived in the United States yesterday.
The visit was planned to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Speaking at an event in Washington today, Mr Martin spoke about Ireland’s role in the future of digital, AI and technology.
“Ireland is uniquely placed to build a digital bridge across the Atlantic,” he said.
“We listen and understand the voice of business.
“We play an important role and a strong voice in digital regulation in the EU,” he added.
Tanaste Michael Martin speaking at an event in Washington todayWhile in the US, the Tánaiste will meet with several members of the US Congress, including Friends of the Irish Parliament, and members of President Biden’s administration, his office confirmed.
“The Tánaiste Prime Minister will use the opportunity of these meetings to discuss bilateral relations between Ireland and the United States as well as a number of global issues,” the Foreign Office confirmed.
Tomorrow, Martin will travel to Chicago to meet with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
The city will hold several meetings over two days with members of the local Irish community to unveil plans for a new House of Ireland in Chicago as part of the government’s Global Ireland initiative.
Ahead of his visit, the Tánaiste said: “This year marks the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the United States, and I look forward to returning to the United States this week to discuss ways to further strengthen our excellent bilateral relationship.”
He added: “My meetings and engagements in Washington DC will provide an opportunity to outline Ireland’s policy objectives and discuss a range of global issues, including the conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East.”
“Following the restoration of the Northern Ireland Parliament and Executive Branch last week, I updated my friends in the U.S. Congress and President Biden’s administration on these developments and the challenges that remain, and reiterated the role the United States can continue to play in ensuring peace. We’re going to talk about the role’ and the prosperity of Northern Ireland. ”
Planning for the next few days, he said: “In Chicago, I look forward to meeting with the Governor of Illinois and the Mayor of Chicago, as well as key Irish community and business stakeholders in the region.
“I am announcing the administration’s plans to open Ireland House in Chicago later this year as a demonstration of Ireland’s strong and continued commitment to the city of Chicago, the state of Illinois, and the entire American Midwest.”
