Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after meeting with members of the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance Service.
The Prime Minister hailed it as a “special occasion” for Northern Ireland, which began his visit to mark the return to power-sharing government.
Rishi Sunak said Northern Ireland’s politicians could “focus on providing for families and businesses”.
Mr Sunak is expected to attend Stormont on Monday, as will Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
He will meet cabinet ministers including Michelle O’Neill, who made history as the first nationalist to hold the role, and Deputy Prime Minister Emma Little-Pengery.
Power-sharing has returned after the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) ended its boycott over post-Brexit trade rules.
“We’re committed to making it work.”
This is the Prime Minister’s seventh visit to Northern Ireland since taking office, but the first time Northern Ireland has had a fully functioning government.
Speaking to volunteers and crew from the air ambulance charity on Sunday night, Mr Sunak said the return of devolved government was “a great reason for optimism”.
“Everyone has worked hard to make this moment happen, and everyone is committed to making this moment a success,” he said.
Mission accomplished. Power-sharing has resumed and the prime minister is also in town for commemorations.
There is reason for Rishi Sunak to be so cheerful, given the Government’s long-standing efforts to cross the line and reach an agreement with the DUP.
But he is due to pose for pictures with officials tomorrow, who will be keen to question him about Stormont’s financial future.
With a multi-billion pound package already on the verge of being delivered, will the Chancellor be prepared to part with even more cash to keep stakeholders happy?
That’s the big question waiting for him on the hill.
The government has also pledged £3.3 billion to restore Northern Ireland’s administration, with much of the funding going towards stabilizing the public service and resolving public sector pay disputes.
In a speech on Sunday, Mr Sunak said the money would “represent a generous and fair settlement for Northern Ireland”.
That’s what’s needed to “make public finances sustainable in the long term,” he added.
Mr Sunak is due to travel to Stormont on Monday to meet political leaders, but will also undertake a number of community engagements during his stay in Northern Ireland.
The Prime Minister has frequently said that getting Stormont up and running is a key priority for the Government.
Speaking in Westminster last week, Mr Sunak thanked the DUP for the “significant steps” they had taken in talks to return to devolved government.
He also thanked Northern Ireland’s other political parties for “the patience they have shown during two years without leadership”.