Deputy First Minister with US Vice President Joe Biden in the White House.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has addressed the annual St. Patrick’s Day breakfast in Washington.
The Sinn Fein representative is accompanying First Minister Peter Robinson on the trip to the US during which they met Vice President Joe Biden.
Speaking at the breakfast, both took the opportunity to reflect on the immense success Northern Ireland enjoyed last year, Mr McGuinness pointing out the legacy of Derry’s year as City of Culture would “live on for a very long time.”
Mr McGuinness said Ireland “greatly” appreciated its “long lasting mutually beneficial relationship” with the US and the traditional St. Patrick’s Day celebrations provided an opportunity to thank the American administration for their continued support.
He added: “In 2013 our international reputation experienced unprecedented growth and we took our place on the world stage for all the right reasons.
“The G8 Summit in June saw the world’s leaders come to our shores and the legacy of Derry City of Culture 2013 will live on for a very long time.
“In 2014 we are aiming even higher and in May, we will host the Giro d’Italia, one of the world’s largest annual sporting events.
“Over 140,000 visitors will come here for the Grand Partenza and the race which will be viewed in over 165 countries around the world.”
He concluded: “The Executive will continue in 2014 to work hard to raise our profile as a top and a culturally rich tourism destination.”
