McAleese to visit Latvia, Lithuania

President Mary McAleese is to make official state visits to Latvia and Lithuania.

President Mary McAleese is to make official state visits to Latvia and Lithuania.

Mrs McAleese will leave on Sunday for a three-day visit to Latvia followed by two days in Lithuania.

The state visits are expected to strengthen political, economic, cultural and educational links between Ireland and the two countries, which joined the European Union in 2001.

Mrs McAleese will meet Latvian political figures including President Vike-Freiberga and Prime Minister Kalvitis on Monday.

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On Tuesday, she will address the business and academic communities in Latvia during an Enterprise Ireland business breakfast and a visit to Latvia University.

The following day, the President will travel to Lithuania for meetings with President Adamkus and Prime Minister Kirkilas. She will give speeches to the Lithuanian national parliament and an Enterprise Ireland business event on Thursday before flying home to Ireland to cast her vote in the general election.

Dervish, the Irish band that finished in last place at the recent Eurovision Song Contest, will perform at separate receptions in Latvia and Lithuania attended by Mrs McAleese.