Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has met with the Prime Minister of Japan in Tokyo.
Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness meeting Prime Minister Abe at his office in Tokyo. Photo: Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
Mr McGuinness and First Minister Peter Robinson are leading their first mission to the country.
The four-day visit follows an invitation extended to the Ministers by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the G8 Summit held in Fermanagh earlier this year.
During the week-long visit Mr Robinson and Mr McGuinness will meet with political representatives to promote trade, investment and tourism, as well as hold a number of meetings with existing and potential investors.
Mr McGuinness said the meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was “very positive.”
He added: “We discussed Japan’s significant contribution to our economy. Japanese companies employ over 2,500 people here and their growth and longevity is testimony to the Japanese culture and commitment to long-term sustainable investments.
“Forging further links with the Japanese business community, attracting new inward investment and realising greater growth and two-way business development exchanges between our two countries is an important priority to help grow our global competitiveness.”
Mr McGuinness concluded: “The meeting gave us the opportunity to talk about the development of investment, cultural and educational links.”
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