Martin seeks closer links with Africa

Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin will be seeking closer trade links between Ireland and Africa during a five-day trip to the continent, he said today.

The main purpose of the visit is to review Ireland’s humanitarian aid to Uganda and Ethiopia, two of the priority countries for the Government’s aid programme.

This year some €33m in direct assistance will be given to Uganda and €26m to Ethiopia.

Mr Martin said he wanted to see the impact on the lives of the people of both countries of the State-funded projects.

“Our assistance to Uganda and Ethiopia ensures that some of the poorest communities in Africa have access to better nutrition and healthcare, that the scourge of HIV and AIDS is being tackled effectively and that children have a chance to get a decent education,” he said.

In Uganda, from today until Wednesday, the minister will travel to Kampala and Karamoja, one of the poorest and most disadvantaged regions of the country.

Ireland’s new five-year strategy for development support to the country will be launched there.

In Ethiopia, from Wednesday to Friday, Mr Martin will meet Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Irish NGOs and Irish aid-funded clinics.

He will also meet with Irish business people working in the country.

“I also want to explore the opportunities to develop closer trade links between Ireland and Africa,” he said.

“I look forward to meeting Irish business people who are working with African partners in both Uganda and Ethiopia to develop new businesses which can provide jobs and trading opportunities to help lift people in Africa out of poverty.”