Rishi Sunak praised the “bravery, tenacity and political imagination” shown by the leaders who shaped the Northern Ireland peace deal.
The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 ended Northern Ireland’s decades of violent conflict known as the Troubles.
But on its 25th anniversary, the Prime Minister has called on Stormont politicians to “get on with the business of governance”.
As part of the milestone date, Mr Sunak will welcome US President Joe Biden to Northern Ireland on Tuesday.
Praising the Good Friday Agreement, Mr Sunak said it was “born out of a partnership between the British and Irish governments”.
“As we will see with President Biden’s visit this week, he has tremendous international support from our closest allies.”
“But most importantly it is based on compromise in Northern Ireland itself.
“As we look forward, we will celebrate those who have made difficult decisions, compromised, and demonstrated leadership—demonstrating bravery, tenacity, and political imagination.
“We remember those who are no longer with us and the many who lost their lives trying to stop violence and protect the innocent.
“We thank them as we contemplate the new generations who have grown up and are growing in a world where peace and prosperity prevail.”
When Northern Ireland was created in 1921, it remained part of the United Kingdom while the rest of Ireland became an independent state.
This created a split in the population between Unionists, who want Northern Ireland to remain within the United Kingdom. and nationalists, who want it to become part of the Republic of Ireland.
From the late 1960s to 1998 – a period known as the Troubles – violence between the two sides left thousands dead and injured.
Mr Sunak said that while it was important to reflect on progress “we must also commit to redouble our efforts on the commitments made in 1998 and on the agreements that have followed.”
“One of economic opportunity, prosperity and stability — that’s a promise we must keep delivering,” he said.
