Two nations with a shared narrative
Spirit of friendship and partnership has continued to grow between Ireland and Britain, writes President Michael D Higgins
President Michael D Higgins visits the Haringey Irish Cultural and Community Centre in north London in July of last year.
As I prepare for the first state visit by a President of Ireland to the United Kingdom, I am encouraged and strengthened by the knowledge that I take with me the support, warmth and good wishes of the Irish people.
It is almost three years since the historic visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth to Ireland. That visit was characterised by a warmth and good will that conveyed to the world the positive quality of our interdependence, as well as the depth and complexity of the relationship between our peoples. That spirit of friendship and partnership has continued to grow, and today we enjoy a relationship with Great Britain that is founded on mutual respect and is warmer than it has ever been in our long and shared story.