Press release
Minister of State marks 25th anniversary of Good Friday Agreement
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
Minister of State for European Affairs, Peter Burke, together with UK Minister for Europe, Leo Docherty MP, jointly opened a conference on 27 March marking the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
Entitled ‘25 Years on – Global and Local Reflections on the Good Friday Agreement’, the Conference was organised the Embassy of Ireland in London and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, supported by the Northern Ireland Office.
The Conference explored the transformation of relationships across these islands made possible by the Good Friday Agreement. It celebrated the work of those who made the Agreement possible, highlighted the support of international partners and looked ahead to the next phase of building peace.
Speaking to the Conference, Minister Burke stated:
"I was delighted to open this Conference alongside UK Minister for Europe, Leo Docherty, MP, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
"Today’s event recognised the leadership that brought about the Good Friday Agreement. It highlighted that peace was made possible by brave leadership in Northern Ireland, by the Irish and UK Governments working in partnership, by steadfast friends and supporters internationally, and by the people of Northern Ireland.
"We cannot and do not take the gains made in the last 25 years for granted, nor do we underestimate our responsibility as a co-guarantor of the Agreement to build on the dividends of peace.”
The Conference was also attended by Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, MP and Lord Caine, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office.