The president of Hungary, Mr Ferenc Mádl, met the President, Mrs McAleese, and the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, in Dublin yesterday as part of his three-day visit to Ireland.
The Hungarian leader was accompanied by his wife, Dalma. The couple received a ceremonial welcome with 21-gun salute when they arrived at Áras an Uachtaráin yesterday morning.
He had a private meeting with Mrs McAleese, followed by a tree-planting ceremony in the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin. The two heads of state had a private lunch at the Áras. Afterwards, Mr Mádl attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the Garden of Remembrance and met the Minister of State for Defence, Mr Tom Kitt.
He then had a meeting with the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern. Mrs McAleese later hosted a State dinner in honour of Mr Mádl. This morning, Mrs Mádl will visit the Focus Ireland Project in Stanhope Street.
Later today, Mr Mádl and his wife will host a dinner at Farmleigh in Phoenix Park, where Mrs McAleese will be a guest of honour.
Tomorrow, he will travel to Cork City Hall where he will be greeted by Councillor Seán Martin, Lord Mayor of Cork and Mr Joe Gavin, Cork city manager.
Mr Mádl will also visit University College Cork.