First Minister Mark Drakeford hosts meeting of the British-Irish Council
Prif Weinidog Cymru Mark Drakeford yn cynnal cyfarfod o Gyngor Prydeinig-Gwyddelig
First Minister Mark Drakeford today (Friday 19 November) welcomes leaders from the British-Irish Council to Wales, at a crucial point for relations across the Isles.
The First Minister will host the British-Irish Council Summit in Cardiff, bringing together leaders from the UK, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
The Summit comes at a particularly important time for the British-Irish Council members, in the context of recovery from the pandemic, continuing discussions between the EU and the UK, and the need for governments to work together to take action against climate change, following COP26 in Glasgow.
Speaking ahead of the Summit, First Minister Mark Drakeford said:
“I look forward to welcoming British-Irish Council Ministers to Wales today, to discuss many pressing issues.
“Today’s Summit is a timely opportunity to support dialogue and collective action between our governments, and this is more essential than ever given the current challenges we all face.
“The Council plays a unique and critical role in developing positive relationships between its members. Today’s Summit is a particularly important opportunity to maintain and build on those relationships.”
Notes to editors
NOTES
The BIC was established under the Belfast Agreement of 1998, which set out the basis for the Northern Ireland peace process. The council develops links between the member administrations and provides a forum to exchange information and foster collaboration across the islands.