Governor Perdue Has Historic Meeting in Northern Ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland – In a historic meeting this morning, Governor Sonny Perdue became the first senior political official from the United States to meet jointly with Dr. Ian Paisley MP MLA, First Minister, and Mr. Martin McGuinness MP MLA, Deputy First Minister, of Northern Ireland. The meeting occurred at Stormont, Northern Ireland’s Parliament building in Belfast.

Governor Perdue was joined by Lt. Governor Casey Cagle for the meeting with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. The group discussed the recent devolution of government in Northern Ireland and the hope for continued peace and prosperity. After years of strife and violence, on May 8 of this year the United Kingdom returned home rule to Northern Ireland. The group also discussed how the political stability in Northern Ireland will yield fertile ground for bilateral trade and investment.

"In this extraordinary meeting, I sensed a spirit of hope and reconciliation," Governor Perdue said. "It is clear that these two courageous leaders desire to move Northern Ireland forward and make it a better place to live and work for generations to come."

While in Belfast, the Georgia delegation also met with officials from Invest Northern Ireland, the country’s economic development arm and attended a luncheon today hosted by the University of Ulster. The delegation also toured the Titanic Quarter, an area of ongoing economic renaissance in downtown Belfast. The day concluded with a large reception at Stormont hosted by Mr. William Hay, MLA, Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Those interested in following the activities of the Georgia delegation during the two-week trade mission to Europe can visit www.stateofgeorgiamissions.com to receive updates throughout the trip.