President Higgins takes part in London engagements
President Michael D. Higgins has attended a reception in his honour in London.
Speaking at the Irish Embassy, the President said it was an honour to be visiting the UK, just nine months after the Queen came to Ireland.
The President thanked members of the Irish community working in Britain's cultural, educational and business spheres for remaining involved in Irish affairs.
He said it would be a theme of his presidency to invite all Irish people across the world to become involved in recasting and building our economy and society.
He reiterated the deep interdependence between the Irish and British economies, and the importance of that relationship during a time of crisis.
The President reminded his audience that €1bn of trade in goods and services flows across the Irish Sea each week.
