Former US President Bill Clinton arrived in Derry this afternoon and held meetings with First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at the University of Ulster’s Magee College.
The First Minister said: “During our meeting, President Clinton once again outlined the US administration’s continuing commitment to helping us achieve our goal of a vibrant and dynamic economy. In recent years the US has become an important and influential friend to us.
“The importance of the role the US plays in helping us achieve our trade and investment goals should not be under-estimated. I have no doubt that the economic conference to be held in Washington in October will generate further investment here.”
Mr McGuinness said the administration was committed to developing the North’s economy.
“The spotlight that will shine on us at the economic conference will provide an unprecedented opportunity to highlight potential investment opportunities here to US investors,” he added.
“President Clinton’s personal contribution to achieving peace was unprecedented and unparalleled. We will always be grateful to both him and Secretary of State Clinton for the enormous contribution that they have made and continue to make here.”