The development of the relationship between Britain and Ireland, both historically and in more recent times, will be covered in a wide-ranging speech by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern at Westminster today.
In the first-ever address by a taoiseach to the British houses of parliament, Mr Ahern will focus on the close relations between the two islands at political, literary and economic levels over the past few centuries.
Mr Ahern will dwell on the constant interchange of people between the two islands, through emigration and immigration in both directions, which continues to forge close links.
In this part of his speech he will allude to the Famine and the 1916 Rising before going on to outline the manner in which the relationship has been brought to a new level and a new beginning in more recent times.
He will describe how his close relationship with the prime minister, Tony Blair, contributed to the success of the Northern Ireland peace process.
The speech is due to be given at noon in the Royal Gallery, situated behind the House of Lords. A recent speech by former United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan was delivered at the same location.
Previous guest speakers include former French president Jacques Chirac and former South African president Nelson Mandela.
As well as Mr Blair, home secretary John Reid and Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain, others expected to be in attendance include former prime minister Sir John Major and former Northern Ireland secretary Peter Brooke. Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny will also attend.
About 400 members of both houses of parliament are expected to be present, along with 100 guests.
Prior to his address, Mr Ahern will meet Mr Blair at Downing Street, and they will travel together to the Palace of Westminster.
A statement from the Department of the Taoiseach said that Mr Ahern's address "comes at a time of transformed relations between Ireland and Britain".
