The Taoiseach met the Romanian Prime Minister, Mr Adrian Nastase, this morning to discuss the former Eastern Bloc country's accession to the European Union.
Mr Ahern is understood to have promised Mr Nastase Ireland would support Romania's bid at the European Council meeting in Copenhagen next week for achieving EU membership in 2007.
"Ireland thinks it is important to send a clear and firm signal from Copenhagen that Romania and Bulgaria remain on track to join the Union," a statement from the Taoiseach's office noted.
Mr Nastase, who was also seeking support for Bulgaria's bid for EU membership, was accompanied by an official delegation including the Romanian Foreign Minister, Mr Mirceu Geoana.
He briefed Mr Ahern on Romania's efforts to meet the criteria for EU membership. He also briefed the Taoiseach on the positive developments in human rights issues, particularly over the welfare of children.
Mr Ahern is due to meet the Prime Minister ofDenmark, H.E. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, at Government Buildings this afternoon as part of the Presidency'spre-European Council tour of EU capitals.