UK Secretary of State Headlines White House St. Patrick's Day Bash

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Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn is traveling to the US to attend the White House St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Mr. Benn will join Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt in Washington DC where he has said he will be promoting Northern Ireland as a fantastic place to invest, work, and live. During his visit, the Secretary of State will engage with the US Administration, Congressional Members, business leaders, and key stakeholders to advance bilateral relations and their shared mission to ensure the prosperity and security of the UK and the US. The trip will focus on the key objective of further deepening UK-US relations, particularly in the areas of economic growth and trade. The Secretary of State will reiterate the UK Government’s commitment to enhancing its strategic relationship with the US, which continues to be a critical partner in the pursuit of shared global security, prosperity, and values. Speaking ahead of his departure, Mr. Benn said: “The United Kingdom’s relationship with the United States is one of the most enduring, historic, and important partnerships in the world. I look forward to talking to US counterparts and discussing ways to further strengthen our already close ties in trade, security, and beyond - furthering the UK Government's Plan for Change - and promoting Northern Ireland as a great place to invest and do business.” Meanwhile, the First Minister and Deputy First Minister are currently in North Carolina while the Economy Minister is visiting New York and Boston. Junior Ministers Aisling Reilly and Pam Cameron are expected to represent the Executive at St. Patrick's Day events in Brussels.