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NLIS 9 July 8, 2004 (Executive Council) (Innovation, Trade and Rural Development) Premier Williams signs MOU re-affirmation and concludes Ireland tour On the final day of his visit to Ireland, Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, confirmed the province�s commitment to strengthening relationships with Ireland through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) re-affirmation with the Irish government. The trip resulted from an invitation which Taoiseach Bertie Ahern extended to Premier Williams while at a state dinner hosted by Prime Minister Martin. Premier Williams and Taoiseach Ahern re-signed the MOU in a ceremony late yesterday in Dublin. Also present at the ceremony was Newfoundland and Labrador�s Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, Kathy Dunderdale. "This visit and the signing of this re-affirmation underscores my belief that our two jurisdictions should work together for our mutual benefit. Our histories, our economies and our cultures have so much in common that this is a natural partnership," said Premier Williams. The premier added that he was impressed with the detailed overview of Ireland�s economic development that he received and he believes Newfoundland and Labrador could learn much from Ireland�s example. The first MOU between Ireland and Newfoundland and Labrador was signed in 1996 and reaffirmed in April 1999. It formalized both government�s desire to develop close cooperation between their respective business, industry and cultural sectors. The MOU is co-ordinated by Ireland Business Partnerships in Newfoundland and Labrador and by the Ireland Newfoundland Partnership in Ireland. The new re-affirmation enables the two partnership organizations to focus on key sectors that offer strategic opportunities such as culture and heritage and marine/ocean technology. "Right now in Newfoundland and Labrador, we are facing a very similar fiscal circumstance to that which faced Ireland in the 1980s. So, there is much that our province can learn from the Irish experience. We have already developed wonderful partnerships and learned a great deal from this country; however, on this trip, we are looking to take those relationships and partnerships to the next level," added the Premier. "However, a true partnership must be a two-way street, and that is why we are excited to also share our experiences and successes with the Irish. We are ready to begin capitalizing on these opportunities like never before." Premier Williams also commented on the warm reception he received. "The hospitality here has been absolutely incredible. I am certain that the generosity that is often associated with Newfoundlanders and Labradorians stems in part from our Irish heritage," said the Premier. "I was pleased to discover that the Irish are quite familiar with our province. I am extremely proud and encouraged that, based on such knowledge, they are eager to expand their awareness and explore opportunities to further deepen our ties." Past activities under the MOU include development of a seafood quality mark for the Newfoundland Mussel and aquaculture sector; an MOU between the Canadian Centre for Marine Communications and the Irish Marine Institute to bring together complementary technology companies to improve their international competitiveness; the Canadian Centre for Marine Communications in St. John�s providing consulting services to the Geological Survey of Ireland; and an MOU between Ireland and Newfoundland and Labrador�s Marine Institute to develop marine data products. The Premier�s visit to Ireland coincided with an 11-day tour of Ireland by the Newfoundland Symphony Youth Choir, the internationally award-winning ensemble under the direction of Susan Knight, who sang before the Taoiseach of Ireland (Prime Minister) and the Premier at the National Concert Hall, Dublin on Wednesday night. Media contacts:
2004 07 08 3:40 p.m. |
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