The Anglo-Irish Agreement, also known as the Hillsborough Treaty, was signed on November 15, 1985, between the British and Irish governments. It aimed to address the ongoing conflict between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland by establishing a framework for political cooperation and reconciliation.

Under the agreement, the Irish government recognized Northern Ireland as part of the United Kingdom, while the British government acknowledged the “Irish dimension” of the conflict and agreed to consult with the Irish government on matters concerning Northern Ireland.

The agreement also established the Intergovernmental Conference, a forum for regular meetings between the British and Irish governments, and created the Irish government`s Anglo-Irish Secretariat, which facilitated communication and cooperation between the two governments.

The agreement faced significant opposition from unionist politicians in Northern Ireland, who saw it as a concession to Irish nationalism and a threat to the unionist identity. However, it was welcomed by many in Ireland as a step towards finding a peaceful solution to the conflict.

The Anglo-Irish Agreement was a precursor to the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, which ultimately brought an end to the violence and established a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland.

Overall, the Anglo-Irish Agreement was an important milestone in the peace process and paved the way for further cooperation and reconciliation between the British and Irish governments. Its legacy continues to shape the political landscape of Northern Ireland and Ireland today.