Britain's Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg met with Tánaiste Mary Coughlan in Co Down this evening.
Mr Clegg spoke at the North-South Parliamentary Forum in Newcastle, as part of his first visit to Northern Ireland since taking office.
The conference was organised to allow parliamentarians from both sides of the border an opportunity to explore issues of common interest and find ways of developing their relationship.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has lent his support to the forum.
In a statement, Mr Adams said: ‘This is a welcome step forward, and is part and parcel of the continuing development of all-Ireland co-operation and development.
‘Effective representation for citizens across the Island, bringing elected representatives together on issues of concern to all our people is what is needed in the time ahead as we head deeper into the economic recession and all that that means for Ireland,’ he added.
