She added that this highlights the glaring absence of an International Relations Strategy.

The South Belfast MLA has said: "The old International Relations Strategy dates back from before even the Scottish Independence referendum, never mind Brexit, the war in Ukraine, the first and second inauguration of President Trump, and a range of other events which have since rendered it completely out of date.

"As a result, both ourselves as legislators and the public at large are left in the dark as to what the Executive Office is trying to achieve through its international relations work, with no clear objectives nor any clear framework of actions.

"FmdFM recently met the new Chinese Consul General to Northern Ireland and we are once again approaching the time for St Patrick's Day events and festivities in Washington, DC. These all undoubtedly offer real opportunities to promote knowledge and economic exchange with the world's largest economies, but this work must be informed by clear strategic objectives.

"A year on from restoration, we have to ask why there is still no new International Relations Strategy, nor the complementary Europe Strategy that we were promised. There is no reason that a draft strategy with clear objectives cannot be published in advance of St Patrick's Day, enabling us to effectively assess and scrutinise the work of the First and deputy First Minister."