Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant is visiting Dublin today for his first official visit since taking up the role.
Mr Bryant was appointed to the position by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham in July, following a Cabinet reshuffle after Keir Starmer left office.
He replaced Hilary Benn as Northern Ireland Secretary and will meet with Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee and Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan during his visit.
The talks are expected to focus on economic growth, joint security and legacy matters.
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Speaking ahead of his visit, Mr Bryant said the relationship between Ireland and the UK was “fundamental to our shared security and prosperity” and had been strengthened in recent years.
He said he was committed to working with ministers in Dublin to improve cooperation, uphold the Good Friday Agreement and deliver on commitments relating to legacy issues.
Mr Bryant said: “I am committed to working collaboratively with ministers in Dublin to foster joint cooperation, uphold the Good Friday Agreement and deliver on the commitments on legacy that both governments have made under the Joint Framework.”
He also said he wanted to highlight Northern Ireland's economic potential and encourage greater trade and investment across the island of Ireland and the UK.
“I am also here today to make the case for Northern Ireland's immense economic potential, and for trade and investment that benefits communities both in Northern Ireland and across these shared islands,” he said.
Mr Bryant will be joined during his visit by Northern Ireland Minister Ruth Anderson and the UK Ambassador to Dublin Kara Owen.
He is also due to attend a meeting with business leaders from across Ireland and the UK.
The meeting will focus on ways to increase cross-border trade and investment and strengthen economic links between the two jurisdictions.
Legacy issues are also expected to feature prominently during the visit.
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In recent weeks, Mr Bryant has met with a number of victims' groups and representatives of British Army veterans to discuss the UK government's approach to dealing with the legacy of the Troubles.
Last week, he said the UK government remained committed to its proposed UK Troubles Bill, which it intends to use to repeal and replace controversial legacy institutions introduced by the former Conservative government.
He said he was “acutely aware” that the legislation was the “last chance” to properly address legacy issues and support people who were bereaved during the Troubles.
“I want to ensure the Bill helps as many people impacted by the Troubles as possible get the answers they have long sought, and commands the confidence of those affected - including those who served bravely to protect law and order,” he said.
