Meeting of British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference to take place in June

Q Radio News/PA

The first meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in two years is to take place in June.

It follows a meeting between Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney and Northern Ireland Secretary of State Brandon Lewis in Dublin on Wednesday.

In a joint statement following the meeting, the men reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the Good Friday Agreement.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis has met Ireland's foreign minister Simon Coveney in Dublin.

They "agreed on the need to work together to protect and uphold all aspects of the Belfast / Good Friday Agreement."

Irish government statement: pic.twitter.com/F3BAkWVEle

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) May 5, 2021

The statement read: “Today we met to discuss a range of issues. We agreed on the need to work together in close partnership to protect and uphold all aspects of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in all circumstances.

“We have also agreed to convene a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in June, to discuss matters of mutual interest within the competence of both governments as the Agreement intended.

“We are aware that there are sincerely held concerns in different communities in Northern Ireland in relation to a number of issues and firmly agree that the best way forward is through dialogue and engagement.

“We recognise the responsibility we all bear to enhance the confidence of everyone in Northern Ireland in all the institutions of the Agreement to help realise its vision for reconciliation, equality, respect for rights and parity of esteem.”

Elsewhere, outgoing DUP leader Arlene Foster attended a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council, alongside Infrastructure Minister and SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon.