The lord mayor of the city of London was due in Dublin later today for meetings in advance of Ireland's presidency of the EU.
Alderman Robert Finch will spend two nights in the capital, where he will be a guest of British Ambassador Stewart Eldon.
Mr Finch is expected to address the Dublin Chamber of Commerce where he will speak on "The future of the City of London as a global centre for international financial services".
In the next 12 months the lord mayor will visit all but one of the 10 accession countries to the EU as part of London's efforts to forge closer links for financial services across Europe.
A spokesman for Mr Finch said: "This is a pioneering visit. The spotlight is going to be on Dublin next year and the lord mayor wants to outline the important role it will play," he said.
Tomorrow Mr Finch will also meet Ms Deirdre Heney, deputy lord mayor of Dublin.