First Minister John Swinney travels to Dublin to undertake a series of political, business and cultural engagements.
He is expected to be the first head of government to meet the new Irish President Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin.
He will also meet Taoiseach Micheál Martin and launch an updated bilateral framework to further promote the strong partnership working between Scotland and Ireland with Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee.
This will be focused on key areas of collaboration, including offshore wind, research and innovation.
Mr Swinney said: “I look forward to visiting Dublin to help strengthen Scottish Irish relations. In particular, I am honoured to be meeting with President Connolly and congratulating her on her election victory on behalf of the people of Scotland.
“Ireland holds a special place in Scotland’s priorities, and we have much to gain by working together. During my visit, I look forward to jointly launching an updated framework for shared cooperation with the Irish Government.
“This builds on the great progress that has been achieved since the last framework was launched four years ago, and I’m sure our partnership will continue to go from strength to strength as a result of the actions within this new one.
“I’ve long said Scotland can follow Ireland’s leadership and build a prosperous future as a progressive independent European nation.
“Ireland is a close friend of ours and this visit provides a key opportunity for Scotland to engage with our friends and partners on the shared interests of both countries.”
The First Minister will also:
- host a St Andrews Day reception with key Irish business and political figures
- chair an offshore wind roundtable
- meet new U.K. Ambassador to Ireland Kara Owen
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