Belfast City Welcomes New Consular Association
Updated: 5th June 2009
Belfast Welcomes New Consular Association
Belfast City Council has welcomed the launch of the new Consular Association of Northern Ireland.
Since the enlargement of the European Union in 2004, Northern Ireland has experienced a dramatic change in its population as economic migrants from all over Europe arrive in search of work and a new life.
Belfast City Council has recognised the many advantages this brings and has embraced the opportunities and challenges of attracting and retaining nationals from other European member states.
Working with local Honorary Consuls has been key to our work in this area and we have supported the development of a Consular Association to maximise the opportunities migrants bring to our city, to work with other cities to learn and explore best practice and to establish trade links bringing economic benefits at home and in partner European countries.
Over the last six years, Belfast City Council has worked with Consuls in hosting trade, economic, cultural and civic visits and our city representatives have learned much from opportunities to visit other European countries. Earlier this year, the Council had the pleasure of hosting a joint event with the Lithuanian Embassy marking Vilnius as European Capital of Culture for 2009. At the event, the then Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tom Hartley, highlighted the opportunities this brought and the benefits that Belfast could experience from being part of Lithuanian celebrations.
There are now 26 countries represented by Consuls based in Northern Ireland. Belfast City Council appreciates the broad range of experience they bring to local communities and the vital resource they provide in advancing social, economic and cultural matters.
As expressed by Councillor William Humphrey the current Chair of the Development Department: "The establishment of an Association of Honorary Consuls is very much welcomed by Belfast City Council. We have actively engaged with Consuls for a number of years now alongside our partners in the EU Commission and OFMDFM."
He added: "The work of the Consuls is critical to the successful economic and social integration of new communities in Belfast and Northern Ireland as a whole. The Association will formalise the work of local Consuls, it will support greater co-operation and promote visibility for new communities.”
Belfast City Council now looks forward to working with the new Association as a platform for engagement and discussion on key issues faced by new communities and to the benefits this will bring by improving quality of life within our city and region.
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