UN Secretary General, Mr Kofi Annan, arrives in Ireland this evening for a four-day visit.
After flying into Dublin Airport shortly after 5 p.m., Mr Annan will travel to Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park, where he will be greeted by the Minsiter for Foreign Affairs, Mr Ahern.
Mr Annan is due to address the National Forum on Europe at midday tomorrow and will pay a courtesy visit to President Mary McAleese in Aras an Uachtarain.
On Friday he will inspect a ceremonial guard in McKee Barracks and hold a meeting with Mr Ahern in Iveagh House, Dublin. On Saturday he will hold a working lunch with the Taoiseach at Farmleigh.
Mr Kofi Annan is expected to use his Irish visit to promote plans for emergency military intervention by EU battlegroups on behalf of the UN in crisis situations. The plan could involve Irish troops.