Taoiseach Brian Cowen will travel to the United States today for his first official visit since taking office.
Following a Cabinet meeting this morning, Mr Cowen will depart for the US where he will take part in a series of engagements in the New York area.
Mr Cowen will meet with senior US political and business figures, leading members of the Irish-American community and cultural organisations.
The Taoiseach will highlight the political, economic and cultural successes of Ireland and look to the development of the economy and of the country’s relationship with the US.
Speaking ahead of his departure, Mr Cowen said: “I am looking forward to an intensive series of engagements in the United States this week”.
“I will be bringing a clear message that Ireland is now a confident and successful European country, with a coherent strategy to maintain that success and build for the future.
“I look forward to meeting our many friends in the United States and listening to their advice on how we can continue to work together during a turbulent period for the global economy.”
Mr Cowen will also hold meetings with the chairman of the Friends of Ireland in the US Congress, Richie Neal, New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg and the Governor of New Jersey, Jon Corzine.
He will also hold talks with key business figures at the New York Stock Exchange and on Wall Street and discussions with members of the Ireland-America Economic Advisory Board and other senior Irish American figures.
The Taoiseach will give the keynote address at the Wall Street 50 Dinner, one of the premier Irish events of the year in New York.
There will also be a number of engagements celebrating Ireland’s cultural contribution to America and meetings with the Irish-American community.
“I am also delighted to be meeting with representatives of the Irish community in America, who have been and remain a key part of Ireland’s international success story and of our nation,” Mr Cowen said.
The Taoiseach will also visit to the World Trade Tribute Centre at Ground Zero.
