International terrorism and economic ties between the EU and Canada are expected to top the agenda at a summit in the Canadian city of Ottawa today.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, is heading the EU delegation to the summit where he will meet with the Canadian Prime Minister, Mr Paul Martin
The EU delegation also includes the European Commission President Romano Prodi and EU High
Representative Javier Solana.
The main purpose of the summit is to increase co-operation between the EU and Canada in the areas of trade and investment. Before leaving the US, where he spent St Patrick's Day, the Taoiseach said he hoped EU-Canada ties would be strengthened at the summit.
The framework for the new Trade and Investment Enhancement Agreement (TIEA), and EU-Canada trade issues will be discussed.
Meetings are also scheduled between an EU Foreign Ministerial team led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Brian Cowen, and the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr William Graham. They are expected to discuss international issues such as the continuing crisis in Haiti, Afghanistan and the Middle East.