Foreign Affairs Minister In NI For First Meeting With Arlene Foster

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, has attended his first official meeting with new Northern Ireland First Minister, Arlene Foster.

Minister Flanagan was in Belfast on Thursday, alongside the UK Secretary of State for NI, Theresa Villiers, to co-chair the first review meeting on the implementation of the Fresh Start Agreement.

Speaking before the meeting, Minister Flanagan said: "Together with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, I am looking forward to co-chairing the first review meeting on the implementation of the Fresh Start Agreement. The meeting is an opportunity to review with the leaders of the parties in Northern Ireland the progress that has been made to date, including on work to end paramilitarism.

"It is important to maintain this momentum to ensure that this Agreement, which has brought stability and sustainability to the devolved power sharing institutions in Northern Ireland, is fully implemented for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland. The review meeting will also be an opportunity to take stock of the current situation with regard to taking forward the unresolved issues on dealing with the legacy of the past."

While in Belfast, Minister Flanagan will also have a bilateral meeting Secretary of State Villiers and will hold his first official meeting with Arlene Foster in her new role as First Minister of Northern Ireland.

"I have worked closely with Arlene Foster in her various ministries since my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and I look forward to building on that positive relationship at today's meetings," Minister Flanagan added.

(MH/CD)