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First Minister in Northern Ireland
18/06/2007
First Minister Alex Salmond is in Northern Ireland today to meet Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness, the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, in the Parliament buildings at Stormont.
Mr Salmond told members of the Assembly said that he believed 'seismic changes' in political attitudes meant a new culture of Government was emerging where no one party dominated and where there was 'unmistakable optimism on both sides of the Irish Sea'.
He said:
"This Assembly and the Scottish Parliament now share a political model based on necessary compromise. The Good Friday Agreement had at its core the basic assumption that no community would be alienated from the political process.
"The situation here was of course very particular, but the point remains that we have a lot to teach each other about modern Government based on shared power.
"The opportunities are to work together on developing links to our shared diaspora, to build bridges with the European Union and to influence the political and economic landscape within these islands.
"My message today is that Scotland is moving forward. We are embarking on an exciting new chapter of our history, and in doing so we ask for your friendship and your support.
"In return, my Government stands ready to help this Assembly grow and develop in whatever ways the people represented in this Chamber so decide.
"Ours are two new democracies working to develop the next phase of a centuries old friendship."
Read the full text of the FM's speech
Mr Salmond flew to Belfast using the new air route from Dundee that has been established with support from the Scottish government's Route Development Fund. flyWhoosh launched the new flight in May.
Mr Salmond said:
"It is entirely fitting with the nature of my visit that I'm taking this new flight which links the two great cities of Dundee and Belfast. I'm glad that the Scottish Government was able to support this air route through the Route Development Fund and I look forward to the economic and social benefits it will bring to Dundee."