The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, with the Polish Prime Minister, Mr Jerzy Buzek, at Government Buildings in Dublin yesterday. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien
The Polish Prime Minister, Mr Jerzy Buzek, has discussed EU issues, including his country's accession to the Union, with the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, during a two-day trip to Dublin.
Mr Buzek said it was important for the Polish leadership to visit EU states in preparation for their entry to the Union in the next round of enlargement.
"Ireland is also a very special country for Poland because of our similar pasts, the attachment to tradition, the Christian tradition included, and some very characteristic national features that we have in common," he said.
It was of great significance to Poland that Ireland had achieved such progress during its membership of the EU - and he had come here to find out how this could be done.
In addition to EU matters, Mr Buzek briefed the Taoiseach on Russia and the Baltic states, and they discussed the security situation in the Kosovo region.
After his discussions at Government Buildings, Mr Buzek, who is in Ireland with his wife, Ludgarda, had discussions with IBEC before paying a courtesy call on the President, Mrs McAleese. The Taoiseach and his partner, Ms Celia Larkin, hosted a dinner for Mr Buzek at Dublin Castle last night.
Today, Mr Buzek is to have separate meetings with political leaders at Leinster House. He will then visit the Institute of European Affairs and the James Joyce Centre before leaving Dublin.