Statement by President Higgins following his meeting with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull MP
Date: Mon 16th Oct, 2017 | 04:34
President Michael D. Higgins today (Monday 16 October 2017) met with the Prime Minister of Australia Malcolm Turnbull MP. The meeting took place during the President's State Visit to Australia, the first such visit by an Irish Head of State since 1998.
The President was accompanied by the Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Frances Fitzgerald TD and Ireland’s Ambassador to Australia Breandán O’Caollaí.
President Higgins thanked the Prime Minister and the people of Australia for the warm welcome he had received in Perth, Melbourne, Hobart and Canberra. The President also spoke of the historic links between Australia and Ireland, highlighting not only the contributions made by Irish people to Australian society but also the importance of government and civic initiatives to support the immigrant communities.
President Higgins and Prime Minister Turnbull used the opportunity to reaffirm the long and abiding bonds shared by the people of Ireland and Australia, and discussed a wide range of issues.
President Higgins and Prime Minister Turnbull emphasised the growing links between the two countries in the areas of trade, tourism, education and the arts.
The two leaders noted that there are more than 130 Irish companies who have a presence in Australia and 40 Australian companies operating in Ireland.
The President highlighted that 55 Irish companies had accompanied him on the State Visit, indicating that the opportunities for further mutual economic cooperation continue to expand.
The President and the Prime Minister discussed many of the current issues facing the European Union, in particular the potential implications for Ireland and the peace process in Northern Ireland that arise from the decision by the United Kingdom to leave the EU.
The President emphasised the need to move towards an approach to political and economic decision making which achieves social cohesion and is built on the values of mutual solidarity.
The President briefed Prime Minister Turnbull on Ireland’s bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023.