The US presidential jet touched down in Belfast yesterday afternoon, as Mrs Hillary Clinton arrived for her fourth visit to Northern Ireland.
She addresses the Vital Voices conference in Belfast today, which will focus on the issue of "sustainability" and how community development work and women's groups can survive and develop over time, beyond the initial seeding of grant support.
She was greeted on her arrival at the International Airport by the Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, and travelled to south Belfast where she announced the development of a cross-community play area for children.
"Today, because of the leadership and the progress that have brought people together from both traditions, and the hard work that has gone into not only the Good Friday accord but all the work since, children are thinking as children should think. They are drawing pictures of a much more hopeful and happy future," she said.
The US First Lady then went to Parliament Buildings at Stormont, where she met the North's First Minister, Mr David Trimble, and the Deputy First Minister, Mr Seamus Mallon, and their wives, Daphne and Gertrude.
"What's the date?" joked Mrs Clinton, as she signed a visitors' book in the main hallway. She admired the architecture of the building and was taken to view the Assembly chamber by the Presiding Officer, Lord Alderdice.
Mrs Clinton was accompanied on her engagements by the US ambassador to London, Mr Philip Lader, and the US consul-general in Belfast, Ms Jane Ki Fort. A reception was held before she had informal talks with the women Assembly members on the front balcony of the building. Nine of the 14 women members were present, including Sinn Fein's Ms Bairbre de Brun.
Later Mr Mallon described Mrs Clinton as "an engaging, highly intelligent and attractive lady". He added that President Clinton had, through his wife, passed on his regards to all those in Stormont.
Commenting on speculation that Mrs Clinton wished to run for elected office, Mr Trimble said her ambitions had come up in conversation.