Northern Leaders Pay Farewell Visit To President Bush

First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness met with U.S. President George W. Bush on Tuesday during the course of a visit to the White House.

President Bush said that he wished to take the opportunity to meet with the First and deputy First Minister to congratulate them on the role they have played in the re-establishment of political institutions here.

First Minister Peter Robinson said: "We were delighted to meet with the President and wish him well for the future and also thank him for his support over the eight years of his term in the White House."

Mr. McGuinness said: "Our meeting today confirms once again that despite many competing demands, we enjoy access at the highest level in the U.S.

"We look forward to a similarly close relationship with the incoming administration."

The visit came as part of their four-day visit to the United States.

During the course of their visit, the Ministers will participate in a series of meetings aimed at promoting the local economy and securing further inward investment.

On Monday evening they attended the Fortune 500 dinner in Washington DC, where they addressed the Chief Executive Officers of some of the most successful companies in the United States.

Later in the week they will also meet with the Mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg and New York City Comptroller William Thompson.

Mr Robinson said: "This is a very important week for Northern Ireland, over the next few days the deputy First Minister and I will be meeting with the higher echelons of corporate America.

"We will be delivering the message that despite the global economic downturn that Northern Ireland remains very much open for business."

"The Northern Ireland Executive is determined now more than ever, to deliver upon its goal of developing a vibrant dynamic economy.

"This trip forms part of our overall objective of ensuring that the damage caused to Northern Ireland by the current economic crisis is kept to a minimum."

Mr McGuinness said: "Last May at the Investment Conference we delivered a very powerful message to corporate America, showcasing the wealth of opportunity that exists here for US business.

"This visit to the United States allows us to build on the many relationships and friendships that were established during that conference and establish new opportunities with the leading 500 American companies."

"The economy remains at the centre of the Executive's programme and one of the main reasons we are here this week is to remind American companies that we can provide an excellent opportunity for those who want to access the EU market."