Queen’s University Belfast has confirmed that Bill Clinton will visit Northern Ireland in early March.

The former US president will give the inaugural lecture at the university’s William J Clinton Leadership Institute on March 5th.

Queen’s acting president and vice-chancellor, professor James McElnay, says the university is “honoured” to welcome the former president and that Mr Clinton has “a long and proud association with both Queen’s and Northern Ireland”.

The new Leadership Institute, which was named after Mr Clinton in recognition of his role in the Northern Ireland peace process, opened in May 2013.

“The aim of the William J Clinton Leadership Institute at Queen’s is directly aligned to the goals of the Clinton Foundation,” explained prof McElnay.

“It provides a focus at the heart of the local business community, supporting economic growth and the ongoing development of the knowledge economy.”

Speaking at the announcement of the newly named institute last year, the University’s vice-chancellor, Sir Peter Gregson said the former president “should not be underestimated” and that Northern Ireland owed him a “great debt of thanks”.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has yet to confirm whether Mr Clinton’s itinerary will include a visit to Dublin.