The Taoiseach Mr Ahern will meet US President Mr George W. Bush at the White House on March 16th where the US President highlight the "strong interest" he has in the Northern Ireland peace process, the White House said tonight.
"The two leaders will review ongoing ties, including the strong interest of the United States in supporting the North Ireland peace process," Bush spokesman Mr Ari Fleischer told reporters.
"On the eve of St. Patrick's Day, they will mark the enormous contributions to America made by the Irish people," Mr Fleischer said.
The US president traditionally welcomes the Irish prime minister on or around St. Patrick's Day.
After meeting last week with British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair at Camp David, President Bush insisted he was "standing by" to help but would wait until asked.
AFP