International Relations Team
This page provides information on the work of the International Relations team and its role in delivering the Executive’s International Relations Strategy. It supports the integration of International Relations priorities into the work of all Northern Ireland Civil Service departments, showcasing the region to visiting dignitaries and ensuring both inward and outward visits deliver tangible outcomes.
Background
Under devolution legislation, international relations, including those with the EU, remain the responsibility of the UK Government. However, it is recognised that the devolved governments in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales have an interest in international engagement and policy making that relates to their devolved powers.
Under the Good Friday/ Belfast Agreement the duties of the First Minister and deputy First Minister include coordinating the work of the Executive Committee and the response of the Northern Ireland administration to external relationships.
The strategic aim of our international engagement is to ensure that we are recognised globally as a great place to live, work, visit, study and invest. Our work is focused on:
- Enhancing our reputation, promoting what we have to offer, our expertise and values;
- Learning from others in addressing the key challenges and opportunities we face, across our society, economy and environment; and
- Securing benefits, including trade, investment, visitors and students.
We work closely with key groups across local government, business, academia, culture, and voluntary and community sectors in engaging internationally. This work is supported by our local diplomatic network of Consulate Generals and Honorary Consuls, which provides direct links to over 46 countries worldwide. Further information can be found here.
Inward visits
The First Minister and the deputy First Minister regularly meet with visiting delegations including foreign diplomats, politicians, business leaders and key decision makers as part of the Department’s strategic inward visit programme.
Over the past 12 months the International Relations team has facilitated over 80 inward diplomatic and government visits, including delegations from the world’s top five leading economies.
Outward visits
Ministers' international visits are targeted at initiating government to government relations, maintaining and enhancing existing relationships, raising the profile of Northern Ireland as a great place to live, work, visit, study and invest, and promoting the priorities of the Executive's Programme for Government. The Executive's International Relations Strategy can be accessed via the link below: