27/02/2025

UK And Irish Ministers Meet To Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, and Tánaiste Simon Harris met in Dublin on February 26th for their first official in-person engagement since the formation of the new Irish Government.

Benn emphasised the importance of the UK-Ireland relationship and expressed his commitment to working closely with the Irish Government.

"We had a warm and productive discussion, focusing on the strength of the bilateral relationship, our shared commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, and the importance of upholding political stability in Northern Ireland," Benn said.

They also discussed the Northern Ireland Executive's efforts to reform and modernise public services, as well as progress on addressing the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland.

"We agreed on the importance of a continuing strong and close relationship between the UK and Irish Governments as we work together on a range of issues," Benn stated.

"This will be reaffirmed by the first UK-Ireland Summit next month between the Prime Minister and Taoiseach."

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