The Taoiseach will meet the President of the European Parliament in Dublin this morning to outline Ireland's priorities for its stint of the EU presidency beginning on January 1st.
Mr Ahern, Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Cowen, and Minister of State Mr Dick Roche will meet Mr Pat Cox and the leaders of the European Parliament's political groupings in Dublin.
Mr Ahern said the meeting was "timely and useful".
"A good relationship between the Presidency and the Parliament is vital if we are to achieve our common goals for Europe," Mr Ahern said.
"We will be placing a strong emphasis on close co-operation with our colleagues in the European Parliament over the next six months.
"Their support will be important to us and I am confident that this meeting today will lay the groundwork for a successful working relationship," the Taoiseach said.