Ministers from both jurisdictions on the island will meet on Friday to address collaboration in areas such as emergency response, business development, and tackling gender-based violence.
The gathering marks the 30th plenary session of the North South Ministerial Council, an institution established under the Good Friday Agreement, and will be hosted at Farmleigh House, reports Breaking News.
This council convenes twice annually, bringing together representatives from both the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who will lead the Dublin group, described the meeting as a chance to focus on mutual priorities and goals, reports Breaking News.
Northern Ireland’s representation will be headed by First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
Ministers from both sides also participated in a joint dinner held on Thursday evening, reports Breaking News.
Mr Martin noted that this plenary session would serve as the initial forum for a joint governmental discussion on preparedness and coordination for emergencies, reports Breaking News.
He said: “Weather events and other emergencies recognise no borders and further co-operation in this area will be important going forward. The meeting is also an opportunity to return to discussions from previous plenaries that remain pertinent, including promoting joint opportunities for business and trade on this island and much further afield, and tackling gender-based violence together. Finally, I look forward to being updated by all ministers on North-South co-operation under their portfolios, ranging from day-to-day cross-border engagement to major infrastructure projects – all of which contribute to realising the full potential of our shared island,” reports Breaking News.
Tánaiste and foreign affairs minister Simon Harris said: “These are important meetings, first and foremost from a work perspective and in terms of the impetus they give to North South co-operation in the different areas, but also on a more human level. As elected representatives on this island, it is important, as we discuss matters of common interest to the people we represent, that we also take time to get to know each other better, to understand each other’s perspectives a little more. Occasions such as this afford us such opportunities, and it is important that we grasp them,” reports Breaking News.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
