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FIRST MINISTER CARWYN JONES ARRIVES IN UNITED STATES FOR OFFICIAL VISIT

Various Events Planned throughout Washington, D.C. and New York in Celebration of Welsh American Relations

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 25, 2014) First Minister Carwyn Jones today arrived in the United States for an official five-day visit. Between February 25 and March 1, the First Minister will host meetings with U.S. business professionals and attend celebratory events in Washington, D.C. and New York to continue strengthening the existing cultural and economic relationship between Wales and the U.S. The First Ministers visit will kick-off with a reception on Capitol Hill to support the launch of the Congressional Friends of Wales Caucus, chaired by U.S. Congressman H. Morgan Griffith (R-VA.)

As part of his visit, the First Minister will pay tribute to the U.S. by participating in a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, February 26. He will also attend a St. Davids Day celebration at the British Ambassadors Residence, an annual festivity hosted in honor of the patron saint of Wales.

The First Minister will then travel to New York on February 27 to tour the city by visiting the SoHo House, holding a meeting at the New York Stock Exchange and hosting an 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. He will later host a second St. Davids Day reception at the Consul Generals Residence, which will also double as a celebration of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. Thomas is honored annually by citizens of Wales for his eclectic and vibrant poetry, and this year marks the centennial anniversary of the renowned artists birthday. Distinguished harpist Claire Jones, who formerly served as Royal Harpist to His Royal Highness the Princes of Wales, will perform at the reception to showcase her new harp piece Dylan, a musical work created to honor and depict the journey of Thomas life.

It is an honor to once again have the opportunity to visit the United States to demonstrate Wales enduring commitment to strengthening our cross-national relationship, said the First Minister. Through my meetings with business professionals and members of Congress, I hope that we can all unite in celebration of our already fruitful friendship and continue exploring new ways to improve upon international trade, tourism and culture.

Ties between the U.S. and Wales date back to the early 17 ^th century and remain strong today, with both countries sharing deep-rooted values, cultural exchanges and a vibrant trade in goods, services and knowledge. This transnational support can particularly be seen in sectors such as:

• Environment : Wales has steadfastly worked to maintain a green global footprint through investments in a number of low carbon projects. The Welsh Government is currently supporting U.S. automaker Ford in developing its fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine at its state-of-the-art plant in Bridgend, Wales. A number of U.S. companies such as Sharp, Centrica, EDF and Magnox, among others, also currently take advantage of the abundant natural and intellectual resources available with offices in the nation.
• Defense : The U.S. and Wales share an understanding of the importance of a strong defense sector not only for improved global security but also for business and employment opportunities, with tens of thousands of individuals employed in the space. Wales also holds the honor of hosting the 2014 NATO Summit, during which global leaders will gather to discuss ways to continue shaping comprehensive security solutions and strengthening international cooperation.
• Culture and Media : The performing arts and culture have long been strengths of Wales, and currently a number of well-known professionals hailing from the nation hold notable roles in theatre, television and film in the U.S. This list includes Oscar winners Sir Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Christian Bale and prominent composer Karl Jenkins, among hundreds of others.

For more information on First Minister Carwyn Jones or the country of Wales, please visit: www.wales.com .

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About First Minister Carwyn Jones

Carwyn Jones was appointed First Minister of Wales in 2009, following the retirement of former First Minister Rhodri Morgan. After re-election to the National Assembly for Wales in May 2011, Carwyn Jones was re-appointed First Minister by Her Majesty The Queen, following nomination by the National Assembly for Wales. Prior to his election, he was a barrister in chambers in Swansea specialising in Criminal, Family and Personal Injury Law and a professional tutor at Cardiff University Law School. He has been a Bridgend County Borough Councillor and was Chair of the County Borough Council Labour Group. He is also a member of Amnesty International, Unison, Unite the Union and the Fabian Society. He has been a Labour Party member since 1987 and played an active role in the 'Yes for Wales' campaign.