Ireland's Tánaiste Micheál Martin is in the US this week for events to mark 100 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the US.
Martin had a busy day of engagements on Tuesday in Washington, DC before heading to Chicago on Wednesday.
On Tuesday morning, the Tánaiste discussed Ireland’s role in the future of digital, AI, and technology at an event in Washington, DC.
"Ireland [is] uniquely well-placed to be a digital bridge across the Atlantic. We listen to and understand business," he said in a post on X on Tuesday morning.
"We’re a strong voice in the EU, with a key digital regulatory role."
Discussing Ireland’s role in the future of digital, AI, and technology at an event in Washington DC.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) February 6, 2024
Ireland uniquely well-placed to be a digital bridge across the Atlantic. We listen to and understand business.
We’re a strong voice in the EU, with a key digital regulatory role. pic.twitter.com/ePH0qFW0FV
The Tánaiste also met with some of America’s leading politicians - many of whom have been outspoken on Irish issues - while in Washington, DC on Tuesday.
First up was Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who the Tánaiste thanked for his "strong support for Ireland, and the Good Friday Agreement."
Last week, Schumer said he was "pleased to hear DUP is moving past its long blockade and will allow the rightfully elected representatives in Northern Ireland to stand up the Assembly & power-sharing executive" and that he was looking forward to "Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill making history as the first nationalist First Minister."
Thanked @SenSchumer for his strong support for Ireland, and the Good Friday Agreement, today in Washington DC.
A busy day of meetings in The Capitol as we mark 100 years of diplomatic relations. pic.twitter.com/BKTWeyEZkv
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) February 6, 2024
The Tánaiste later met with members of the Friends of Ireland Caucus co-chair Representative Richard Neal, as well as Representative Brendan Boyle and Representative Katherine Clark.
Like Schumer, both Rep Neal and Rep Boyle welcomed the news last week that Northern Ireland would return to power-sharing.
Warm welcome from @RepRichardNeal and the Friends of Ireland Caucus.
Thank you @RepBrendanBoyle and @WhipKClark for hosting us today too.
Grateful for the sustained support on NI and valuable discussions on international issues. pic.twitter.com/yw02bOwRCr
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) February 6, 2024
The Tánaiste capped off his busy day by meeting Senators Chris Murphy and Jon Ossoff with whom he had "construction and valuable discussions" on Northern Ireland and global issues.
Last August, Sen Murphy led a congressional delegation to Dublin and London to discuss, in part, "securing peace in Northern Ireland."
Delighted to meet with Senators @ChrisMurphyCT and @SenOssoff today.
Constructive and valuable discussions on NI, and a wide range of global issues. pic.twitter.com/BaiWrtf99h
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) February 6, 2024
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Later in the day on Tuesday, the Tánaiste and USAID Administrator Samantha Power announced an expansion of the development cooperation partnership between USAID and Irish Aid which will see Irish Aid and USAID work together to advance food security in Zambia.
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs said Ireland’s new five-year Mission Strategy for Zambia and USAID’s new Feed The Future Zambia strategy share a vision for climate-resilient, inclusive, and nutritious food systems for the country, which has enabled a new partnership that will leverage private sector resources to diversify agricultural production, promote economic empowerment, especially for women and youth, and enhance nutritional outcomes. It will also strengthen regulatory frameworks for improved food safety.
The partnership follows on from a successful partnership in Malawi which continues to help smallholder farmers in the southern African country.
The Tánaiste said on Tuesday: “I was delighted today to meet with USAID Administrator Power to celebrate our longstanding partnership in global food and nutrition security.
"In particular, building on our recent successful collaboration in Malawi, I was pleased to jointly announce a new partnership between the US and Ireland in Zambia.
"We will send a technical mission to Zambia in the coming weeks to finalise the details and I will increase the budget for the Zambia programme from this year to fund it. This collaboration will focus on building sustainable food systems, prioritising improved nutrition, gender equality and climate action.”
Jointly hosting a food security event with @PowerUSAID in Washington DC.
🇮🇪 will continue to work with the 🇺🇸 on challenges such as malnutrition and the impact of climate change. pic.twitter.com/F79DoJBvqo
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) February 6, 2024
On Wednesday, the Tánaiste is due to travel to Chicago where he will meet Governor of Illinois JB Pritzker and Mayor of Chicago Brandon Johnson. He will additionally meet with members of the Chicago Irish community and deliver an address at the City Club of Chicago.
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