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Countries promise closer working Irish and Scots to 'work closer'
(about 18 hours later)
A joint declaration committing Scotland and the Irish Republic to work together more closely is set to be signed by the political leaders of the two countries. A joint declaration committing Scotland and the Republic of Ireland to work together more closely has been signed by political leaders.
Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and Jack McConnell, Scotland's first minister, will make the pledge when they meet in Dublin on Monday. Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and Scotland's First Minister Jack McConnell made the vow at a meeting in Dublin.
They will pledge to work together on areas of common interest, such as education, science and culture. They pledged to work together on areas of common interest, such as education, science and culture.
They will also agree to co-operate in tackling the problem of drugs. Mr McConnell said this would be done with the help of a new EU fund.
It is thought they will also express hopes for further progress in the Northern Ireland peace process. He said the European Union's Cross Border Programme, worth about 200 million euros, would allow Scotland to engage more effectively with both the Republic Of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The final wording is expected to voice a hope that the Northern Ireland Assembly can rejoin the political process to work with both Dublin and Edinburgh. I hope Scotland's experience of devolution can continue to be an example to our counterparts in Northern Ireland of the real benefits devolved government can bring Jack McConnellFirst Minister
With encouragement from the UK Government, Scotland is being presented to Northern Ireland as an example of the potential success of devolved power. It would fund projects in areas such as enterprise and business development, sustainable development and renewables, he said.
To be eligible for money, Scottish projects will have to extend between Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Both leaders expressed hopes that the strategy of co-operation could be extended to include a revived assembly in Northern Ireland.
Politicians there have been given until the end of this month to reach agreement.
Mr McConnell and Mr Ahern also spoke of their hopes for further progress in the Northern Ireland peace process and agreed to co-operate in tackling the problem of drugs.
'Tangible rewards'
The first minister said: "Today marks a significant moment in relations between Scotland and Ireland that will bring our countries closer together long into the future.
"It commits us to work together and share what we do best in areas like science and education. That can only bring long term, mutual benefits that will strengthen our economies and deepen our long standing friendship.
"The declaration also expresses our shared desire to work with a restored Northern Ireland Executive.
"I hope Scotland's experience of devolution can continue to be an example to our counterparts in Northern Ireland of the real benefits devolved government can bring."
He said the EU funding would bring "tangible economic rewards".
Mr Ahern said: "There are very strong historic ties between Ireland and Scotland. Our relations have developed further since Scottish devolution and since the Good Friday Agreement.
"After our meeting today, we are committed to further develop our relationship through working together across a range of areas."