Wales and Ireland sign cooperation agreement

Ireland and Wales have signed a new cooperation agreement to cover the next five years.

Tánaiste Simon Harris TD and First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan launched the new Ireland-Wales Shared Statement 2030.

The two governments have committed to develop closer ties across different areas, including renewable energy, research and innovation. At the same time, they will also work to strengthen the historic cultural and linguistic bonds that join the two nations.

The agreement outlines six areas for collaboration: Political and Official Engagement; Climate, Energy, Environment and Sustainability; Economy and Trade; Education, Research and Innovation; Culture, Language and Heritage; and Communities, Diaspora and Sport.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: "The Statement marks a significant step forward in our relationship with Ireland. By working together on shared priorities we can achieve far more than we could alone.

"This partnership demonstrates the strength of our historic bonds and our commitment to tackling common challenges together. From renewable energy to research, from language to culture, we are united by common values and aspirations."

Tánaiste Simon Harris said: "Our relationship with Wales remains very important to Ireland. The Shared Statement underlines the breadth of connection between us – across trade, research, energy, culture and language. This is all underpinned and cemented by our vibrant and rich people-to-people connections.

"The new Shared Statement to 2030 allows us build on the excellent cooperation of recent years. It will provide renewed focus and momentum, carrying forward this unique and vibrant partnership into the next decade."