Minister for the Americas to visit the Midwestern United States
Sir Alan Duncan will meet with state leaders to discuss co-operation on trade, security and foreign policy.
In his first visit to the Midwest, Minister for the Americas, Sir Alan Duncan will travel to Illinois, Columbus and Indianapolis next week to meet key politicians from the states: the Governor of Illinois, Bruce Rauner, the Governor of Ohio, John Kasich, the Governor of Indiana, Eric Holcomb, and the Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emmanuel. He will also meet UK businesses investing in the US and US companies investing in the UK. The minister will deliver a keynote speech on Britain’s global role at the Chicago Council of Global Affairs and address students at the Ohio State University and the University of Notre Dame.
Sir Alan will end his visit to the US with a stop in Washington DC, where he will meet senior political figures in the Senate, House of Representatives and the Trump administration.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Sir Alan said:
I look forward to my first visit to the heartland of America. All 3 states have significant cultural, political and economic ties to the United Kingdom. Chicago, Columbus and Indianapolis are 3 of the largest cities in the US and contribute hugely, not just to the lifeblood of their respective states, but to America as a whole.
The relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States is one built around a common language, the common principles of freedom and democracy, and common interests. On security, defence, trade and investment, the United Kingdom and the United States are the closest of partners.
This visit is a chance for me to witness the ubiquity of the special relationship to the lives of all Americans, as well as to discuss ways to further enhance the special relationship as the UK leaves the EU.