A DIPLOMAT who helped get the historic Belfast Good Friday Agreement over the line is now flying the economic flag for Northern Ireland in Washington DC.

Banbridge-born Lyndon Hughes-Jennett joined the Northern Ireland Office in 1991, was at Stormont when the historic peace deal was signed, and now works Stateside rubbing shoulders with top US policy makers including President Joe Biden.

It’s been a busy year, with Lyndon helping support President Biden’s visit to Northern Ireland in April to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday accord.

He’s currently involved in the investment summit in Belfast, supporting a delegation led by US Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland Joseph Kennedy III.

Lyndon – who was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s last Birthday Honours list – said: “The United States generated £7.2 billion in inward investment stock in Northern Ireland at the end of 2021 and is its largest source of foreign investment.

“This summit is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the incredible talent and expertise Northern Ireland has to offer and turbo charge even more investment in our businesses to create more jobs.

“Northern Ireland is an exciting place to promote in America and the UK Government works tirelessly to make sure we can create opportunities.”

He added: “The Good Friday Agreement paved the way for so many US companies to invest, and Northern Ireland is now widely recognised as a great place to live and work.

“You also have things like Game of Thrones, Derry Girls, the tourist trail with the Giant’s Causeway so a lot that people internationally are getting excited about.”