Irish FM welcomes German president's announced state visit

Irish Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan on Friday welcomed the announcement of German President Joachim Gauck's state visit to Ireland next week, saying that the visit is a valuable opportunity to build on close ties.

"Our people-to-people ties are strong. We are delighted to welcome almost 540,000 German tourists to Ireland each year, making Germany one of our top three tourism markets," Flanagan said.

The German president has accepted an invitation from Irish President Michael D. Higgins to visit Ireland from July 13 to 15.

"This visit will allow President Gauck to visit Dublin and the West of Ireland, where so many of his countrypeople come each year to enjoy stunning scenery, delicious food and experience the warmth of an Irish welcome," he said.

He also said Germany is also a crucial trading partner for Ireland. "Our bilateral trade with Germany is worth over 20 billion euros (22.25 billion U.S. dollars), and we expect it to grow further."

Gauck will travel to west Ireland's Galway city for a program at the National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway) next Wednesday, which will include a roundtable seminar on human rights and development with Irish President Higgins, as well as the conferring by NUI Galway of an honorary degree on him.

Later that afternoon, President Gauck will visit a farm and the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare before departing Ireland.