Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams were among leading political figures attending talks in northern Spain this week which could be a prelude to the dissolution of the Basque separatist organization, ETA..
The two Irishmen were sharing their experiences of ending the conflict in the north of Ireland and discussing lessons to be learned from the peace process.
The conference in San Sebastian on Monday was organized by a number of peace groups and was also attended by former UN secretary general Kofi Annan and Tony Blair's former chief of staff, Jonathan Powell.
ETA called a permanent ceasefire in January and the Spanish government has continued to call for it to dissolve and disarm.
Gerry Adams described the meeting as a "very significant step" and said the Spanish government must be open to talks.
"It is a two-way street, the whole business of peacemaking," he said.
The Spanish government has refused to engage with ETA, saying it will not negotiate while the group holds arms.
