James Brokenshire has completed his first visit to Derry as the British Secretary of State.
While in the city, he visited the Seagate Technologies place and met with business leaders and the Apprentice Boys of Derry.
He also met the family of a 15-year-old schoolboy killed by a plastic bullet in 1981.
Paul Whitters was shot by a police officer on Great James Street..
A police investigation into the killing was criticised by the Police Ombudsman.
Speaking after the meeting Paul's uncle, Tony Brown, said he was "cautiously optimistic".
Mr Brown was part of a delegation from the Pat Finucane Centre who want the Secretary of State to make progress on dealing with the past.
Mr Brown said: "Paul's death was never properly investigated and that made a mockery of the inquest.
"There was no warning given. Paul was shot at a range which was unacceptable, within the regulations at the time.
"We subsequently learned that the plastic bullet gun was defective.
"The most appalling thing was that Paul was dragged from the scene where he was shot, there was no attempt made to preserve the scene for forensic reasons."
Mr Brown said they were delighted that Mr Brokenshire had met them so soon after getting the job.
"Nineteen secretaries of state later, I'm cautiously optimistic that we've had a proactive engagement," he said.
James Brokenshire acknowledged victims families had been waiting a long time for progress on dealing with the past.
"I had a very positive, very constructive initial conversation with the Pat Finucane Centre in these early days of my time as secretary of state.
" I am very keen to create the climate where we are able to progress these issues, get those legacy bodies up and running and I hope provide some answers for people who have been waiting a great deal of time," he said.
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Photo shows Mr Brokenshire (centre) with Foyle MP Mark Durkan and City Centre Manager Jim Roddy during his visit to Derry. (Photo: Harrison Photography)
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