Ministers Congratulate New US President Joe Biden

Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Ministers have written a letter of congratulations to new US President-elect Joe Biden.

Writing on behalf of the Executive following Mr Biden's election success, the Ministers expressed their hope that Northern Ireland's links with the US will be further strengthened under his presidency.

First Minister Arlene Foster wrote: "We send our warmest congratulations from the Northern Ireland Executive to Joe Biden as he prepares to become the 46th President of the United States of America.

"This has been a hard fought election which we have watched with interest from this side of the Atlantic.

"We deeply value our friendship and longstanding connections with the US and have greatly benefitted from US interest in Northern Ireland and its people. Our economic, tourism and cultural links have created opportunity and investment over many decades.

"We very much look forward to developing that relationship under the new administration and hope we get the opportunity to meet with the incoming President in the not too distant future."

Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill added: "We congratulate President-elect Joe Biden on his victory in the US election.

"Joe Biden has strong connections with this island, and we greatly welcome his concern for the interests of our people and the protection of our peace process and the Good Friday Agreement.

"He will take on the presidency of the United States at one of the most critical periods we have faced, as the Brexit transition period ends and we work to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. We believe our links with the US will be hugely significant as we set about rebuilding our economy and rejuvenating our society.

"We look forward to working with Joe Biden and his administration, and send him our very best wishes as he prepares to undertake this historic role."