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Belfast Live
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Lauren Harte

Joe Biden: Ulster University's Students' Union President 'very excited' ahead of 'symbolic' visit

The Students' Union President at Ulster University has said this week's visit to Northern Ireland by Joe Biden is "very symbolic".

The US President will arrive here on Tuesday night as he begins a visit marking the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

In his main engagement in Northern Ireland, Mr Biden will deliver a keynote speech at Ulster University's new £350 million Belfast campus.

Read more: LIVE updates as US President Joe Biden set to arrive in NI this evening

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will meet Mr Biden when Air Force One touches down in Northern Ireland and the two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting on Wednesday.

Mr Biden is expected to also hold a meeting with Northern Ireland's main political parties before the Ulster University talk. He tweeted that he would use the occasion to underscore his nation's "commitment to preserving peace and encouraging prosperity" in the region.

Built at York Street, the new UU campus marks one of the biggest university capital investments across the UK and Europe. It opened to over 15,000 staff and students last September after a number of delays to its completion having been originally due to open in 2018.

The exterior of the new Ulster University Belfast campus (PressEye)

Among those in attendance when Mr Biden gives his address will be Grace Boyle, President of Ulster University Students' Union (UUSU).

The Interactive Media graduate, 26 and from Belfast, took over as Students Union President last summer after a year as Vice-President for Education.

Speaking to Belfast Live ahead of the event, Grace said: "It's very symbolic for me as someone who was born just before the Good Friday Agreement. Peace is a gift and we shouldn't take that for granted.

"Mr Biden coming to Belfast to open our new campus is highly significant. Reflecting on the last 25 years, I don't think any of us would have imagined that we'd have such a bright and bustling city centre full of students who are going to come and make Northern Ireland a better place."

Grace was recently selected for the Washington Ireland Program Class of 2023, which will see 30 talented university students from Ireland and Northern Ireland travel to the US this summer for internship and leadership programs.

"I feel very fortunate to be UUSU President at this time and having been offered a place on WIP this summer. President Biden has previously defined America in one word, 'possibilities', and that's what we hope to strive for here in Northern Ireland society 25 years on," she added.

"A lot of young people of my generation on the Washington Ireland Program do want to build Northern Ireland and see it thrive in the next 25 years. We want to build a diverse and shared future and integrate a better society for students in Northern Ireland."

Vice-Chancellor and President of Ulster University, Professor Paul Bartholomew has said hosting President Biden on his first visit to Northern Ireland since becoming President will be a very special day in the university’s history.

"As we mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, Ulster University, across all three of our campuses, is looking forward to preparing the next generation of civic, business and societal leaders," he added.

"Our new Belfast campus truly reflects the hope and promise of the Agreement and our aspirations for a positive, prosperous, and sustainable future for everyone.

"It brings together 16,000 young people and staff from across Northern Ireland and around the world to develop the skills and experience they need to fulfil their potential and make a positive impact on our society.

"It is also an inspiring space for our neighbours and for our partners across the region to collaborate, create and innovate with us on our shared vision for this region."

A major security operation is in place for Mr Biden's visit, with more than 300 police officers from the rest of the UK being drafted into Northern Ireland.

The PSNI has also warned of significant traffic disruption in Belfast during the presidential visit, with a number of roads in the city centre already closed.

Mr Biden will also travel to the Republic of Ireland, where he will carry out a number of engagements during his four-day stay, including visiting counties Louth and Mayo, from where his ancestors hail.

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