England’s Prime Minister David Cameron welcomed President Michael D. Higgins to his residence at Number 10 Downing Street on the second day of President Higgins' historic state visit to Britain, adding that both countries have become "deep friends."
President Higgins told Cameron that the strength of the relationship between Ireland and Britain is evident in our strong trade and economic links.
The British Prime minister said, "I am really excited by the things that we are now doing together, two countries and two governments. I am excited by some of the new projects that we are talking about.
"But we must, as you said last night and Her Majesty said last night, keep on with the work of reconciliation, including in Northern Ireland. It is wonderful the visit that you are making, it builds on Her Majesty's excellent and remarkable visit of three years ago," he added.
Higgins said that he believes that the short distance between Ireland and Britain has "sometimes stopped us from seeing the richness in each other."
Cameron said the visit built on the queen’s “excellent and remarkable visit” to Ireland three years ago.
“It is a real privilege to be Prime Minister of the United Kingdom at a time when Anglo-Irish relations are on such an up.
“I am determined to do what I can and I know that the Taoiseach is as well to do what we can to play our part in building this very special partnership between two countries that are now not just neighbors, but really good friends and deep friends.”
President Higgins said he was “absolutely delighted to be here and to be making this historic visit,” saying that Anglo-Irish relations are enjoying “ a great deepening kind of cooperation that is very important. It is obviously there in trade and the economy.”
Here’s a look at some of Wednesday’s events from President’s Higgins trip:
The President viewing the Colours of the disbanded Irish Regiments w/ @TheDukeOfYork @EamonGilmore. #IrishStateVisit pic.twitter.com/M0cfiYxWnt
— Embassy of Ireland (@IrelandEmbGB) April 9, 2014
The Prime Minister talks with President Higgins about joint co-operation #IrishStateVisit pic.twitter.com/0dXYIaWBbt
— British Embassy (@BritEmbDublin) April 9, 2014
Sabina Higgins meets young Irish fashion designers at Embassy #IrishStateVisit pic.twitter.com/f0QuCk2bqI
— Embassy of Ireland (@IrelandEmbGB) April 9, 2014
President Higgins meeting with @MayorofLondon while visiting City Hall for Youth Workshop today. #IrishStateVisit pic.twitter.com/5t6hG4yV5F
— Embassy of Ireland (@IrelandEmbGB) April 9, 2014
President Higgins addresses young people at 'taking charge of change together' event at City Hall #IrishStateVisit pic.twitter.com/Ez5DsnSlDW
— NIO (@NIOPressOffice) April 9, 2014
The President is inspecting the Guard of Honour @cityoflondon #IrishStateVisit pic.twitter.com/YbOklD2SBM
— Embassy of Ireland (@IrelandEmbGB) April 9, 2014
President Higgins addresses young people at 'taking charge of change together' event at City Hall #IrishStateVisit pic.twitter.com/Ez5DsnSlDW
— NIO (@NIOPressOffice) April 9, 2014
President Higgins: "one theme runs across all faith systems, hospitality -the need to care for the other" #IrishStateVisit
— British Embassy (@BritEmbDublin) April 9, 2014
Just before the historic State Visit, the Irish Foreign Ministry asked people on both sides of the Irish Sea what they thought. Check out this video:
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