THE Island's Chief Minister and a number of government representatives attended the 17th British Irish Council Summit last week.
Allan Bell MHK led the Manx delegation, which included Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK and the Island's chief secretary Will Greenhow, to the event which was held in Dublin on Friday (January 13).
The British Irish Council (BIC) is the only international forum comprising the governments of the UK, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey.
It plays an important role in developing positive links between member countries and provides a platform for consultation and co-operation on matters of mutual interest.
The topics discussed at Friday's meeting included the economy, youth unemployment and drug use.
As well as contributing to the summit's main agenda the Chief Minister took the opportunity to hold informal one-to-one discussions with his political counterparts from Ireland, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey.
Speaking about the event 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 strengthen the Island's international identity.
"All our governments are facing, and working hard to address, significant fiscal challenges. BIC draws everybody together to focus on ways to grow our economies and create a more sustainable future for people across our islands. From an Isle of Man perspective it is also an opportunity to reaffirm our economic value to our closest neighbours and trading partners."
Senior politicians from other sovereign governments, devolved administrations and crown dependencies in attendance included Taoiseach Enda Kenny (Ireland), Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg (UK), First Minister Alex Salmond (Scotland), First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness (Northern Ireland), First Minister Carwyn Jones (Wales), Chief Minister Ian Gorst (Jersey) and Chief Minister Lyndon Trott (Guernsey).
The Summit also discussed strategies to reduce youth unemployment and measures to assist recovery from drug dependence.
Mr Watterson, whose department has responsibility for the Isle of Man's Drug and Alcohol Strategy, said: "The Council agreed that member administrations will actively encourage a renewed focus on recovery from problem drug use and will work together to evaluate and share successful approaches."
The next British Irish Council Summit will be hosted by Scotland in June.
