The deputy First Minister is set to attend a series of high-profile events in Washington DC as part of St Patrick's Week, including a reception at the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Her itinerary also features the Speaker's Luncheon at the U.S. Capitol, hosted by Speaker Mike Johnson and attended by the President.

During the visit, the deputy First Minister will host the NI Bureau Breakfast, addressing an audience of over 300 stakeholders from the political, academic, business, and cultural sectors.

She said: "St Patrick's Week in Washington DC is a vital opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland as a great place to live, work, visit, study and invest. This week is also an opportunity to champion Northern Ireland businesses, strengthen trade links with the U.S. and support our companies to expand exports and build new partnerships.

"We are committed to developing a globally competitive and sustainable economy and want to partner with businesses, including in the U.S., to help us achieve that vision.

"Already 70% of U.S businesses who have invested in Northern Ireland reinvest and expand and I want to continue to build on that." The deputy First Minister intends to highlight Northern Ireland's expertise in several sectors, including cyber security, RegTech, FinTech, health sciences, and advanced manufacturing. She noted that Northern Ireland is currently the second most competitive region in the UK for inward investment and holds the top ranking in Europe for Foreign Direct Investment Strategy among mid-sized regions.

"So this week will be about shining a spotlight on what we have to offer. From meetings with the President, to engagements with key stakeholders, my focus will be on highlighting our position as world leaders in a range of key sectors including cyber security, FinTech, RegTech, advanced manufacturing and health sciences, as well as our skilled workforce and world class universities," she added.

"Our businesses are now exporting to over 100 countries across the world; we are the second most competitive region in the UK for attracting inward investment; and we have been ranked number one in Europe for Foreign Direct Investment Strategy among mid-sized regions.

"We have such a good story to tell. We deserve our place on the global stage and this week will be about making sure we maximise our full potential."

The visit will also include a special event organised by the Department for Communities and the America 250 Commission, marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

The deputy First Minister said: "This special event will be an opportunity to commemorate a defining moment in global history and celebrate the enduring connections between NI and the U.S. which have been shaped by our rich cultural, historical and personal links."