Visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin T.D., to Mexico and Cuba, 15-20 February 2009

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Department of Foreign Affairs                Press Release

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Visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin T.D., to Mexico and Cuba, 15-20 February 2009

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Micheál Martin, T.D., will travel to Mexico and Cuba this week, on his first visit to Latin America since becoming foreign Minister.

In Mexico City on Monday the Minister will meet with the Mexican Foreign Minister, Ms Patricia Espinosa, with whom he will discuss Irish trade with and investment in Mexico, the development of EU-Mexico relations, regional and global political issues and the further strengthening of bilateral ties.

The Minister will discuss business opportunities with Mexican business leaders at a meeting hosted by the Embassy and the Irish Chamber of Commerce in Mexico. He will also address the Mexican Council of Foreign Affairs on the economic challenges facing Ireland and the European Union, and will call on members of the Mexican-Irish Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Mexican Congress.

From Mexico the Minister will travel to Cuba on the first working visit by an Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs. He will hold consultations with the Foreign Minister of Cuba, Mr Felipe Pérez Roque, at which ways to develop bilateral relations between Ireland and Cuba will be addressed. The Minister will meet with the Cuban Minister of Foreign Investment and Economic Co-operation to discuss possible sectors for economic cooperation. In this connection, the Minister will also visit the world-renowned Genetic Engineering and Biotech Institute.

Commenting on his visit, the Minister stated:

“I regard this visit to Latin America as a demonstration of the importance of this region as a major political and economic force in the twenty first century, on which Ireland should increase its focus. We enjoy excellent relations with Mexico, where our exports are fast approaching €750m annually and where Irish companies have invested in excess of €350m. Mexico enjoys a unique position as a competitive market adjacent to the United States and to South America. I hope that my visit will underline the interest of Irish business in this market and the value we attach to the strong bilateral relationship we have long enjoyed with Mexico.

My visit to Cuba will be the first working visit by an Irish Government Minister. Cuba is undergoing a major transformation, and its relations with the EU have entered a new phase.  I wish to avail of this new context to discuss a wide range of political, economic and social issues, including human rights, all of which are included in the agendas for my meetings.”

Ends+++

16 February 2009

Press Office