President continues Central America visit

President Michael D. Higgins is continuing his 11-day trip to Central America where he has been making a number of links with the business community.

Today he will give his keynote address to the Mexican Department of Foreign Affairs

The President's address this afternoon is entitled 'Ireland and Mexico’s Relationship in the 21st Century'.

In his speech, the President will refer to the two countries' historical links, dating back to 1846 when a battalion of Irish soldiers defected to side with Mexico during the Mexican- American war. He willl also refer to the popularity in Mexico of recently deceased Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney, whose work was translated by celebrated poet Pura López-Colomé;

Mr Higgins will then discuss the promising relations that Ireland and Mexico will have in the future, proof of which is1,600 Mexican students currently studying in Ireland as well as the numerous trade links that are being developed between the two countries.

Later on this evening he’ll travel to El Salvador to begin a three-day visit, beginning with the recepit of the keys to the city in a welcoming ceremony hosted by the mayor of San Salvador.