SPEAKER WELCOMES THE PRESIDENT OF BURUNDI

The President of Burundi, His Excellency Mr Pierre Nkurunziza, today visited the Northern Ireland Assembly and was greeted by the Speaker, Mr William Hay, MLA.

Commenting on the visit, the Speaker, Mr William Hay said:

“We are delighted to welcome the President of Burundi to the Northern Ireland Assembly.
“The President has spoken of encouraging political reconciliation in Burundi and the contribution that diverse communities can make in building a country’s future together.
“So many countries have supported the Assembly in the progress that has been made and I am always pleased to share with others the lessons we have learned and are continuing to learn."

Later in the afternoon, the President will meet with MLAs from the All Party Group on International Development to discuss political leadership in a post conflict situation as part of a wider visit to Northern Ireland.

ENDS

Notes to editors

His Excellency Mr Pierre Nkurunziza is a former university lecturer, who served as Minister for Good Governance in the former transitional government before being elected President of Burundi in 2005.

The Burundi delegation accompanying the President includes:

Mrs Antoinette Batumubwira, Foreign Minister
Mr Leonard Sentore, First Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Burundi
Mr Albert Nasasagare Senior Advisor, Deputy Chief of State Protocol
Mr Desire Nkurunziza, Aid-de-camp (Officier d’ordonnance)
Mr Gervais Abayeho, Senior Advisor, Press and Communications and President’s Interpreter
Mrs Rose Gahiru, Former Health Minister, Senior Health Advisor
Mr Nestor Gasaga, Advisor in charge of Education
Mr Salvator Nizigama, ‘Ubuntu Foundation’ representative

Media Enquiries to:

Stephanie Mallon, Northern Ireland Assembly Information Office, Room B2, Parliament Buildings, Belfast BT4 3XX.
Tel No: 02890-521953. Fax: 02890 521961.
Website Address – www.niassembly.gov.uk
Email: info.office@niassembly.gov.uk