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Brown vows to work with Salmond Brown vows to work with Salmond
(about 1 hour later)
Gordon Brown has shaken hands with Alex Salmond for the first time, declaring that he will work with him for Scotland's "prosperity".Gordon Brown has shaken hands with Alex Salmond for the first time, declaring that he will work with him for Scotland's "prosperity".
Scotland's first minister and the prime minister are attending a British-Irish Council meeting at Stormont in Belfast.Scotland's first minister and the prime minister are attending a British-Irish Council meeting at Stormont in Belfast.
It is the first time they have held talks since the two men took on their new roles.It is the first time they have held talks since the two men took on their new roles.
Scottish Executive sources have said they want an "appropriate relationship" with Westminster.Scottish Executive sources have said they want an "appropriate relationship" with Westminster.
Entering the talks, Mr Brown said: "I look forward to working with Mr Salmond for the prosperity of the people of Scotland".Entering the talks, Mr Brown said: "I look forward to working with Mr Salmond for the prosperity of the people of Scotland".
Northern Ireland's first minister Ian Paisley is also at the meeting.Northern Ireland's first minister Ian Paisley is also at the meeting.
Mr Salmond's talks with Mr Brown follow his meeting on Friday with Minister for Justice Jack Straw.Mr Salmond's talks with Mr Brown follow his meeting on Friday with Minister for Justice Jack Straw.
'Positive agenda''Positive agenda'
This has been given as an example of a "co-operative" approach in action.This has been given as an example of a "co-operative" approach in action.
Mr Salmond was also in conciliatory mood, welcoming Mr Brown's presence at the meeting.Mr Salmond was also in conciliatory mood, welcoming Mr Brown's presence at the meeting.
He rejected suggestions that the council was an opportunity for the devolved administrations to combine together to exert pressure on the government in London.He rejected suggestions that the council was an opportunity for the devolved administrations to combine together to exert pressure on the government in London.
Mr Salmond said: "It is how we co-operate as administrations across and around these islands in the interests of the people. I think that is an entirely positive agenda."Mr Salmond said: "It is how we co-operate as administrations across and around these islands in the interests of the people. I think that is an entirely positive agenda."
He has called for greater dialogue between Westminster and the devolved administrations.He has called for greater dialogue between Westminster and the devolved administrations.
Mr Salmond wants the re-establishment of joint ministerial committees, set up in 1999 to encourage co-operation between London and the devolved governments.Mr Salmond wants the re-establishment of joint ministerial committees, set up in 1999 to encourage co-operation between London and the devolved governments.
They have not met regularly in the past five years. The plenary joint ministerial committee has not met regularly in the past five years.
Also attending the British-Irish Council will be Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.Also attending the British-Irish Council will be Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
The council is designed as a forum for talks between Westminster, the devolved UK administrations and Ireland.The council is designed as a forum for talks between Westminster, the devolved UK administrations and Ireland.