Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK has led a senior Manx government delegation to the 25th British-Irish Council summit in London.
Mr Bell took part in top-level discussions on a range of issues, including the state of the economy, the effects of the conflict in Syria and international efforts to support refugees in Europe and the Middle East. Ministers also expressed their condolences following the recent attacks in Paris and Mali.
As well as contributing to the Summit’s main agenda at Lancaster House, the Chief Minister took the opportunity to hold discussions with his political counterparts from Jersey and Guernsey on matters of mutual interest.
Mr Bell, who was accompanied by Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Richard Ronan MHK, said: ‘The British-Irish Council allows us to take our place alongside the governments of neighbouring islands to discuss common challenges at the highest level.’
The Chief Minister took his place at the BIC Summit alongside the political leaders of other sovereign governments, devolved administrations and Crown dependencies.
As well as assessing the current economic situation across member countries, the Council discussed environmental issues and the need to protect our natural resources.
Mr Ronan said: ‘The Isle of Man takes its international responsibilities very seriously and has progressed strategies to reduce carbon emissions and to support biodiversity and our commercial fisheries.
The Chief Minister also used the visit to London to continue government’s programme of engagement with key figures in Westminster.
Meetings were held with Lord Faulks, Minister of State for Civil Justice with responsibility for the Crown Dependencies, David Liddington MP, Minister of State at Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Pat McFadden MP, Shadow Minister for Europe, and Baroness Williams of Trafford, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Communities and Local Government.