(VNF) - The President of Ireland, Mr. Michael D. Higgins, is honoured to accept the invitation by H.E. Mr. Tran Dai Quang, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, to pay a State Visit to Vietnam from November 5^th-14^th.

The President will be accompanied by his wife, Sabina Higgins, and by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Charles Flanagan, T.D.

The President of Ireland, Mr. Michael D. Higgins and Ms. Sabina Higgins. (Source: Irish Embassy in Vietnam)

This is the first State Visit by an Irish Head of State to Vietnam, which aims to deepen bilateral relations between Ireland and Vietnam in this the twentieth anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations. It will showcase Vietnam’s tremendous economic and social progress and Ireland’s partnership with Vietnam on development cooperation, and help to grow two way trade and investment between Vietnam and Ireland.

President Tran Dai Quang will host President Michael D. Higgins and his delegation in Hanoi. The programme will include a ceremonial welcome and bilateral talks at the Presidential Palace. President Michael D. Higgins will have meetings with the Chairwoman of the National Assembly, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, and Prime Minister, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Phuc. The President will call on Secretary General of the Communist Party, Mr. Nguyen Phu Trong.

President Michael D. Higgins will visit Irish Aid development projects supporting UXO clearance and poverty reduction in Quang Tri province. He will travel to Ho Chi Minh city to meet with the City’s leadership and to engage with the Irish and Vietnamese business communities on November 11^th.

Vietnam and Ireland established diplomatic ties on April 5^th, 1996.

Trade between the two countries has increased in recent years. Irish businesses in the dairy, seafood, consultancy and building materials sectors are investing and trading with Vietnam, according to the Irish Embassy in Vietnam./.

( Compiled by VNF )