In her first overseas visit as First Minister, is in Dublin and Cork this
week as part of engagements to strengthen further the links
between Wales and Ireland.
The main purpose of FM's visit will be to attend the
Ireland-Wales Ministerial Forum in Cork today (Friday
18thOctober), hosted by the Tánaiste, Micheál Martin.
This is the fourth Forum, following meetings in Cardiff in 2021,
Cork in 2022 and Bangor in North Wales last year.
The Forum focusses on six areas to work in partnership between
Ireland and Wales - Political and Official Engagement; Trade and
Tourism; Climate and Sustainability; Education and Research;
Culture, Language and Heritage; and, Communities, Diaspora and
Sport.
Yesterday, the First Minister visited Dublin, where she met Irish
President Michael D. Higgins at the President's Official
residence.
The First Minister also met with Eamon Ryan TD, Ireland's
Minister for Transport and Minister for the Environment, Climate
and Communications in Dublin and will hold a bilateral meeting
with the Tánaiste as part of Friday's Forum events in Cork.
said:
“Wales and Ireland are enjoying a strong working relationship
across many of our shared economic and cultural interests. This
bond between our two nations is built on age-old connections and
deep cultural links.
“We share common values and interests, as modern,
globally-connected countries and are committed to advancing
equality, sustainability, and the promotion of cultural heritage.
We established a Welsh Government office in Dublin in 2012, which
has helped built connections and pursue areas of collaboration.
“I look forward to our relationship growing even stronger in
future years.”
