The SDLP and the Ulster Unionists are to combine efforts in anti-sectarian campaigns and will visit Glasgow to witness similar initiatives in Scotland.
Both parties confirmed the joint approach yesterday as Ulster Unionists took part in an SDLP-organised conference on sectarianism in Belfast.
Senior UUP members Trevor Ringland, chairman of the One Small Step campaign and former rugby international, and Assembly member Esmond Birnie took part in the seminar as part of Community Relations Week.
The conference was also addressed by Cathy Jamieson, minister for justice in the Scottish executive, who related experiences from similar efforts in Glasgow.
The SDLP believes greater political leadership to counter sectarianism and racism is needed especially in the absence of the Stormont Assembly.
"We are strong advocates of political action to combat these problems," said Dr Seán Farren.
Mr Ringland said people had a simple choice: to share Northern Ireland peacefully and to their mutual benefit, or in conflict. "We have to challenge those who are not prepared to build relationships," he said.
Referring to the so-called Christmas truce amid the first World War trenches, Mr Ringland added: "I think this is part of people coming out of their trenches. I encourage others to come out and to challenge those leaders who want to force those people back into their trenches."
Dr Birnie said suspension was hindering the work of reconciliation and there needed to be more party-political ownership of the sectarianism question.