Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney is set to travel to Dublin and Mayo as part of an official visit to Ireland next week.
The PM is to meet with Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Dublin in the first bilateral visit to Ireland by a Canadian Prime Minister in nearly 10 years. He will then travel to Co Mayo where he will meet President Catherine Connolly.
Mr Carney's office has said that he will focus on strengthening Canada and Ireland's longstanding cultural and personal ties, as well as expanding relationships across digital innovation, agri-food, AI, pharmaceuticals and climate.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin is also set to travel to Canada as part of a major trade mission in April with several ministers. But this was cancelled due to the fuel price protests across Ireland.
The Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney has deep rooted connections with Ireland, with his two grandparents having left Aughagower near Westport more than 100 years ago for Canada.
In a statement, Micheál Martin said that he is looking forward to meeting with Mr Carney, adding that he is "proud of his Irish heritage".
"We will be discussing ways to strengthen our bilateral relations even further," Mr Martin said. "Canada is an important economic partner for Ireland, with strong trade in goods and services in both directions. CETA is close to be being fully ratified by the Oireachtas, so this is an ideal time to explore further options for economic cooperation across a range of sectors".
"We will also discuss global issues including the situations in the Middle East and Ukraine. Canada and Ireland have an excellent working relationship on the global stage and, as we face many geopolitical challenges, it is important that we work closely together to support peaceful resolutions".
