External relations of Guernsey both islands retain their independence with regards to domestic affairs but internationally, the islands would be regarded as one state. A Guernsey-Jersey double taxation agreement was first signed in 1956. In 1998 Guernsey and Jersey electricity companies formed the Channel Islands Electricity Grid to operate and manage the submarine cables between Europe and the Channel Islands. Guernsey has formed part of the British–Irish Council since it was formed in 1999, as does Jersey. Meetings take place twice a year, in 2004, 2010 and 2014 the meetings have taken place in Guernsey. Its stated aim is to "promote the harmonious and
First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland . The second position has been spelt "Deputy" or "deputy" First Minister, due to differing preferences by civil servants (and potentially ministers), although the spelling of the title has no constitutional consequences in practice. The first two holders of the office, Seamus Mallon and Mark Durkan, were both referred to during their periods of office as "Deputy First Minister", with a capital D. In the Good Friday Agreement, also known as the Belfast Agreement, which established the executive in Northern Ireland, the two positions are spelt "First Minister and Deputy First Minister" (with a capital D). This was also adopted