Welsh First Minister visits Washington and New York City
Welsh First Minister, Carwyn Jones, will travel to the US to raise the profile of Wales in the USA ahead of St David’s Day.
Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones
The Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones will travel to Washington, DC and New York City for an official five day visit spanning from 25 February through 1 March. During this time, the First Minister plans to host a reception on Capitol Hill to support the launch of the Congressional Friends of Wales Caucus, which is being spearheaded by US Congressman H. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) to promote the cultural and economic ties between the United States and Wales. While in Washington, the First Minister will also pay his respects during a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Ceremony as well as attend a St David’s Day celebration at the official residence of British Ambassador Sir Peter Westmacott.
The First Minister will then travel to New York on February 27, where he will take in the city sights with a walking excursion alongside members of the British Council to promote the launch of a new mobile application developed for the established Dylan Thomas Walking Tour of Greenwich Village. Other events include a media reception at the exclusive SoHo House in New York’s Meatpacking District and a meeting at the New York Stock Exchange. He will later host a celebration commemorating both St David’s Day and the 100th birthday of world-renowned Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas. Distinguished harpist Claire Jones, who formerly served as royal harpist to His Royal Highness the Princes of Wales, will also perform at this reception to showcase her new harp piece “Dylan,” a musical work honoring and depicting the journey of Thomas’ life.
“It is an honor to once again have the opportunity to demonstrate Wales’ enduring commitment to strengthening our cross-national relationship,” stated the First Minister. “I am very much looking forward to reconnecting with old colleagues and friends and fostering bridges with new ones throughout the course of my visit, and look forward to hosting all of our American friends in Wales soon.”
For more information on the First Minister, or to learn of his travel itinerary, please visit Wales.gov.uk.