Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House to reinforce the longstanding economic and cultural ties between Northern Ireland and the United States.

The meeting formed a key part of the Deputy First Minister's visit to Washington D.C., where she has been engaging with American political and business leaders to promote Northern Ireland as a premier destination for global investment.

During the discussion, the Deputy First Minister emphasised the transformative role the U.S. has played in Northern Ireland's history and the mutual benefits of their ongoing "special relationship." Speaking after the meeting, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: "The main focus of this visit to Washington has been to showcase everything Northern Ireland has to offer and my meeting with the President was an opportunity to take that message directly to him.

"We spoke about the special relationship between Northern Ireland and the U.S. and the role the U.S. has played in transforming this place we call home and putting it firmly on the map. We also talked about the importance of that two-way relationship and the mutual benefits it brings to us all."

The meeting also served to recognise the upcoming 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. The Deputy First Minister highlighted the historic contribution of those from Northern Ireland—particularly the Ulster-Scots—who helped shape the foundations of the United States.

She added: "Our connection with the U.S. goes back to the very foundations of this country and I told President Trump what an honour it is to be here this year to mark this special anniversary and to celebrate the enduring connections which were planted all those years ago and continue to thrive today."