Taoiseach Simon Harris is attending the British-Irish Council summit on the Isle of Man, which is focusing on renewable energy.
Mr Harris said the meeting has particular significance as it is the first summit since 2021 where the First and Deputy First Ministers of Northern Ireland are represented.
Simon Harris also said he is delighted to attend his first council summit as Taoiseach.
Speaking at the summit, Mr Harris said: "The BIC is always a really important opportunity for people to come together across these islands.
"This is our neighbourhood and it's really important that we have close dialogue that we have an opportunity to develop those interpersonal relationships and to exchange ideas on issues that matter to our islands and today, there was a particular focus on renewable energy," the Taoiseach said.
"Of course, all jurisdictions, including our own country, are trying to work on the development of renewable energies and to have those conversations today was really, really fruitful, but definitely for me, the highlight was having Northern Ireland back at the table of the British-Irish Council," he added.
Mr Harris held a bilateral meeting with the new Scottish First Minister John Swinney on the fringes of the summit.
A spokesperson for the Taoiseach said Mr Harris and Mr Swinney "spoke about a range of issues but all with a view to even closer Irish-Scottish relations".
Mr Harris also asked the Scottish First Minister to visit Ireland and "they both agreed this should happen as soon as possible".
The Taoiseach and Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien are representing the Government at the bi-annual summit, which is also attended by delegations from the British government, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and the Channel Islands.
Delegates are discussing ways to unlock the economic and social opportunities of renewables across the islands.
Established in December 1999, the BIC was formed as part of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement "to promote the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands".
The BIC is marking its 25th anniversary this year.
Speaking before the summit, Chief Minister of the Isle of Man Alfred Cannan MHK said: "I am pleased to welcome our friends from the British-Irish Council to the island.
"It falls to each of the BIC members to host the summit, in turn, and the Isle of Man wishes to play its part, and contribute to the discussions which have helped to support the peace process and co-operation between all the BIC members."
