First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has met with Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney, to discuss building stronger ties between Scotland and Ireland.

The Irish and Scottish governments recently launched a joint bilateral review to look at how the two countries can work together over the next five years.

This review will examine a wide range of areas such as business and shared economies, and developing academic and research links. Collaborative work to help Scotland and Ireland's rural, coastal and island communities will also be explored.

The First Minister said: "Ireland and Scotland already enjoy close political, economic, community and cultural ties, but we are committed to strengthening those deep bonds.

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"The Scottish-Irish health forum is an example of a collaboration which shares mutual challenges and solutions, and there is scope to collaborate across key policy areas that have the potential for greater rewards that will help shaping our shared future.

"The review will aid that process by consolidating existing ties in a new international environment and unlocking the relationship's further potential."

Tánaiste Mr Coveney said: "Ireland and Scotland have ancient links. At the same time, ours is a vibrant, modern, forward-looking relationship, grounded in shared values and common interests.

"Over the coming months, we are doing something new together, and through the review, I hope we can take our relationship to a new level, for the mutual benefit of the people of Ireland and Scotland."

Mr Coveney also held meetings with Fiona Hyslop, External Affairs Secretary, and Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Government Business and Constitutional Relations.

(MH/CM)