The United Nations Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan, will make an official visit to Ireland next month. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Andrews, announced that Mr Annan and his wife will visit from January 21st to 22nd.
The Secretary-General will call on the President, Mrs McAleese, as well as holding discussions with the Taoiseach, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Defence, Mr Smith.
It is also planned that Mr Annan will visit the Defence Forces' UN Peacekeeping Training School in the Curragh. In Dublin he will receive an honorary degree from the National University of Ireland.