Northern leaders meet Chirac in Paris

The leaders of Northern Ireland's power-sharing executive tonight held "landmark talks" with the French President Jacques Chirac on the state of the peace process.

Historic moment:President Jacques Chirac meets David Trimble and Seamus Mallon

First Minister Mr David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Mr Seamus Mallon emerged from a 15-minute meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, describing their talks as a "milestone" for the Stormont Executive which had never met a European head of state before.

Mr Trimble said the discussions had focused on the political progress made so far in Northern Ireland and how trade links could be strengthened with France.

"This meeting was a significant milestone for devolution - it is the first time the leaders of the new Northern Ireland administration have met with a European head of state to discuss matters of mutual interest," the Ulster Unionist leader said.

"We were able to update President Chirac on progress in the political process, our improving economy and the advantage of choosing Northern Ireland as a business partner.

We were able to impress on President Chirac the conviction that we have moved into a new dispensation which will offer serious opportunities, not just for ourselves but for anyone doing business with us. Seamus Mallon

"Our message is one of increasing economic confidence and a more hopeful political outlook factors which contribute to the stability essential to attract major investors."

Mr Mallon stressed the importance of partnership to the Stormont Executive and paid tribute to the support of European governments throughout the peace process.

"In the course of the last 30 years, Europe never lost faith in the ability of the people of the north of Ireland to overcome their difficulties. That support was very tangible and very welcome," the SDLP deputy leader acknowledged.

"Now is the time when we, as an EU region, can offer something in return by becoming a more active trading partner within the European community. We are here to offer businesses a clear manufacturing and trading advantage.

"The workforce in the north of Ireland has the skills and the competitive edge to make investment from overseas a worthwhile option.

Our message is one of increasing economic confidence and a more hopeful political outlook. David Trimble

"We were able to impress on President Chirac the conviction that we have moved into a new dispensation which will offer serious opportunities, not just for ourselves but for anyone doing business with us."

President Chirac met Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon before flying to Strasbourg for talks with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.

Franco-German relations have been strained in the wake of the Nice Treaty reforming the European Union.

PA