Northern Ireland's links with Europe vital - Donaldson

Junior Minister Jeffrey Donaldson is in Brussels today to meet with key policy makers in Europe.

He will meet with Commissioner Marian Fischer Boel along with Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew and also representatives from the Welsh Assembly and Scottish Government EU Offices.

Jeffrey Donaldson said: “I very much welcome the opportunity to meet with key players in Brussels. Europe’s continuing support to us, both financially and politically, is vital.

“The Northern Ireland Executive wants a sustainable and mutually productive relationship with the European Union and we are determined to make the relationship long-term.”

Mr Donaldson will also meet with Northern Ireland civil servants seconded to the European Commission.

“I look forward to meeting the staff and to learning about the important role they play in shaping and developing our links with Europe.

“I hope that my visit to Brussels will build on the existing good relations between Northern Ireland and Brussels and indeed with Europe.”

Notes to Editors:

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