In an effort to end trade disputes in the region, Britain and the EU have signed an agreement to resolve a post-Brexit issue regarding Northern Ireland.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen struck the deal during high-level talks together in Windsor, England on Monday.

The agreement will establish procedures for border checks in Northern Ireland, which is part of Britain, but which shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland, which is a member of the EU. Prior to Brexit, transporting goods across the border was easy since all sides were members of the EU, and followed the same rules.

The Independent quoted a senior UK government source as saying, “An agreement has been reached. The deal is done.” 

The Guardian, also citing government sources, said that at the meeting, Sunak said the UK and the EU have had their differences, but they are still allies, and this would be the beginning of a “new chapter.”

The newspaper quoted the prime minister as saying, “I’m pleased to report that we have now made a decisive breakthrough. Together we have changed the original protocol and are today announcing the new Windsor framework.”

He added, “Today’s agreement delivers smooth-flowing trade within the whole United Kingdom, protects Northern Ireland’s place in our union, and safeguards sovereignty for the people of Northern Ireland.”

He also said he expected it would “take time” for  Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and other parties to evaluate the deal.

Von der Leyen said the deal struck through the negotiations was, “extraordinary,” and would assure food and medicines which were available in Britain would be accessible in Northern Ireland too.