Ireland-Wales Ministerial Forum discusses shared opportunities

The third annual Ireland-Wales Ministerial Forum took place in North Wales on 20 October.

The event was hosted by Mark Drakeford MS, first minister of Wales and the Minister for Rural Affairs, North Wales and Trefnydd, who were joined by the Welsh ministers for economy and climate change. Irish attendees included Micheál Martin TD, Tánaiste and minister for foreign affairs and minister for defence, and Simon Harris TD, minister for further and higher education, research, innovation and science.

The Ireland-Wales annual Ministerial Forum is a key commitment of the Ireland-Wales Shared Statement 2021-25 and aims to bring Wales and Ireland closer together, strengthening connections for our mutual benefit.

The Ireland-Wales Shared Statement and Joint Action Plan 2021-25 include 6 areas of cooperation on devolved matters: Political and Official Engagement; Climate and Sustainability; Trade and Tourism; Education and Research; Culture, Language and Heritage; and Communities, Diaspora and Sport.

This year's forum focussed on shared opportunities in renewable energy, skills development and language.

There was also a programme of visits in North Wales, showcasing and informing discussions of the key themes, looking at approaches for addressing common challenges and opportunities in these areas. Visits included the port of Holyhead, Morlais energy project, Ysgol Morswyn, M-SParc and Tŷ Gwyrddfai.

First minister Mark Drakeford said: "This is a significant relationship for Wales with our nearest European neighbour. Their presence showed the importance we both place on this partnership stretching across all parts of Ireland and Wales. There are other international networks where we work with Ireland, for example the British Irish Council, however our Shared Statement creates a direct bilateral relationship for us to collaborate on devolved areas."

Image: Simon Huguet / Holyhead ferry port