First Minister in Dublin

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will visit Dublin this week.

The visit includes a series of engagements with politicians and business leaders to further strengthen Scotland’s relationship with Ireland.

The First Minister will meet President Michael D Higgins and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan TD to discuss continued co-operation between Scotland and Ireland. This will build on discussions between the First Minister and the Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the British Irish Council last week.

The First Minister will also visit the Scottish Government’s Innovation and Investment Hub in Dublin. The hub is working on high-value economic, academic and innovation partnerships between Scotland and Ireland.  Scottish exports to Ireland are worth £1.125 billion, and Irish investment into Scotland currently supports more than 6000 jobs.

Speaking ahead of the visit, the First Minister said:

“Scotland and Ireland have a long history of co-operation based on our shared values, close historic and cultural ties and the deep links between our people.

“The relationship between Scotland and Ireland is more important than ever. I look forward to meeting with political and businesses leaders to discuss how we can work together to protect and strengthen our shared interests.

“I’ll be stressing the Scottish Government’s commitment to the principle of European solidarity and the benefits Scotland receives from membership of the European Single Market.

“Given the close proximity of our countries, Ireland is a strategic partner for Scotland. The opening of a Scottish Government Innovation and Investment hub earlier this year, demonstrates the value we put on this relationship.

“Our hub is working on a range of issues including economic development, strengthening links on research and innovation, cooperation on energy and the development of renewable technologies and supporting government to government links.

“During my visit to Ireland, I look forward to further developing these areas of common interest to ensure deeper collaboration between our governments to deliver greater economic prosperity for both countries.”