Paisley, McGuinness To Make Joint Visit To Brussels In New Year

Trip To Follow On From Successful U.S. Trip

The North's First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness are to follow up their successful U.S. investment tour last week with a visit to Brussels in the New Year.

The announcement of a second joint overseas visit by the two men was made during the visit of a European Commission taskforce began a fact-finding mission in the North, during which they will take part in a series of meetings with government departments, social partners and other stakeholders.

The taskforce is looking into how the North can maximise the European Union funds it receives and is the initiative of European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, who arranged the visit after he met the First Minister and Deputy First Minister in May.

"The Taskforce presence here today demonstrates Europe's ongoing high level commitment to our future of continued peace, political stability and economic growth," explained Junior Minister Ian Paisley Jnr. "It is fitting to pay tribute to President Barroso for the support that the European Union and its Member States continue to show us."

Gerry Kelly said: "The Executive is determined to make the most of this unique opportunity - this is the first time that there has been such a Taskforce and we look forward to continuing to work with it in the time ahead.

"We want a sustainable and mutually productive long-term relationship with the European Union."

Danuta Hubner, the European Union Commissioner for Regional Policy, is co-ordinating the work of the taskforce, which is exploring how Northern Ireland can best participate in both financial and non-financial EU initiatives.

A report is expected from the taskforce in early 2008.

During their Brussels visit in early January, Mr Paisley and Mr McGuinness will meet Mr Barroso and Commissioner Hubner.