The island’s Chief Minister held meetings with the UK’s Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, and Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond this week.
He was attending the 20th British-Irish Council (BIC) Summit in Northern Ireland.
Mr Bell took part in discussions on issues including the current economic situation in member administrations, youth unemployment, energy costs and proposals for a new BIC creative industries work sector.
The Chief Minister held informal discussions with Mr Clegg and Mr Salmond on what was described by his office as ‘matters of mutual interest’.
In a press statement, Mr Bell said: ‘The British-Irish Council has always been a valuable forum for the Isle of Man, allowing us to take our place alongside the governments of our neighbouring islands and discuss common challenges at the highest level. It affords us the respect and recognition we need to further enhance the island’s international identity, and provides an opportunity to reaffirm our economic value to our closest trading partners.’
He added: ‘The additional value of attending events such as the BIC Summit lies in the side meetings where we can strengthen personal relationships with the leaders of other countries and highlight the Isle of Man’s position on specific issues.’
Mr Bell joined delegations headed by Northern Ireland’s First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Taoiseach Enda Kenny (Republic of Ireland), Nick Clegg (United Kingdom), First Minister Carwyn Jones (Wales), First Minister Alex Salmond (Scotland), Chief Minister Ian Gorst (Jersey) and Chief Minister Peter Harwood (Guernsey).
In addition to assessing the current economic situation across member countries, the council discussed energy costs and the challenge of moving to low-carbon energy sources while ensuring security of supply.
The BIC, established under the terms of the Good Friday peace agreement, is the only international forum comprising the governments of the UK, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey.
Mr Bell was accompanied by Will Greenhow, chief secretary, and Della Fletcher, director of external relations.
