Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that people wearing poppies in Ireland is “not as controversial” as some may suggest.
The British and Irish Council met in Blackpool on Friday on Armistice Day, a day where British people remember soldiers who died during World War I.
Many people wear poppies for the month of November to mark the occasion.
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A two-minute silence was observed during the council meeting, with Mr Martin wearing a badge with a poppy and a shamrock.
There have been some controversies about the wearing of poppies and it has proved a contentious issue in Northern Ireland amid questions about whether it also commemorates soldiers who took part in more modern conflicts like The Troubles.
The Taoiseach said that it was “appropriate” for him to pay respect to people who died during the wars during the meeting.
“I don't believe it's as controversial as perhaps some suggest,” he said.
“I think people understand the need to remember those who lost their lives in war in the past.
“We in Ireland particularly following on from the Good Friday Agreement, I think we entered into a new mature reflection on all of these issues.
“Many Irish died in both of the major wars.
“I think it's appropriate, particularly at the British Irish Council, which is an institution Under the Good Friday Agreement, that we would pay due honour to those who lost their lives in World War II and World War I and other conflicts.
“I believe the vast, vast majority of Irish people are of one mind on that.”
Mr Martin's uncle previously served in the British Army in the Royal Engineers. Philip Martin was kept as a war prisoner in Japan's Changi Prison.
Following the British and Irish Council meeting, the Taoiseach said that the relationship between Ireland and the UK has “improved significantly”.
He said that the relationship with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also improved and that both sides want to negotiate a solution to the Northern Irish protocol issue.
However, Mr Martin once again said that he would not put a timeline on when he believed the issue would be resolved.
While Mr Martin and Mr Sunak met for a bi-lateral meeting on Thursday evening, the British Prime Minister did not attend the second day.
The Taoiseach met with Secretary of State for Intergovernmental Relations Michael Gove and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
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