§ Mr. FitzpatrickTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's relations with Nicaragua. [26752]
§ Mr. FatchettBilateral relations with Nicaragua are good. Through the EU/San José process, in which Nicaragua participates, we have given substantial economic and political support to the peace process in Central America. My hon. Friend the Minister of State, the hon. Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Lloyd) will meet the Foreign Minister, Dr. Emilio Alvarez, at the EU/San José Group meeting in San José on 10–11 February 1998.
An investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) was signed with Nicaragua in 1996. The value of Nicaraguan exports to the UK rose significantly in 1997, although UK exports to Nicaragua remain relatively low, valued at pounds 3.54 million in 1997.