JOHN Swinney is set to meet with Irish president Catherine Connolly on Wednesday as she begins a four-day visit to Scotland.
Connolly is embarking on a trip to Scotland to strengthen links between the two countries in areas including education, language, sport and culture.
Swinney was the first head of government to meet the new Irish president following her election last year.
Speaking ahead of the meeting at Bute House, the First Minister said: “I am honoured to welcome president Catherine Connolly to Scotland – I wish her a happy stay as she begins a programme of engagements across the country.
“Scotland and Ireland have deep and enduring connections that I am determined to build on and strengthen. These links enrich our societies and create opportunities for people in both countries."
Swinney said it was a "privilege" to be the first head of government to meet with Connolly last November.
"During that meeting, I set out my aim to strengthen cooperation in areas that matter to both our nations," he said.
The First Minister added: “This week’s visit by the president makes it clear this is a shared ambition and demonstrates the closeness between our two nations.
"I look forward to discussing future opportunities that will be underpinned by our renewed bilateral framework and our shared commitment to peace, equality and international solidarity.”
During his visit to Dublin last year, Swinney also met with Neale Richmond TD, Ireland's minister of state for international development and diaspora.
They launched the Ireland Scotland Bilateral Cooperation Framework 2030, which aims to direct cooperation on a number of areas, from cross-governmental relations, business, the climate, education and culture.
