President travels to Far East to promote links

President Mary McAleese is on her way to the Far East today on a six-day visit to promote economic and education links between Ireland and the region.

She is accompanied by the Education Minister and a trade delegation made up of 11 representatives from different organisations.

President McAleese will meet with leading dignitaries during her official visit to Thailand and is due to officially launch the new Asia-Ireland Chamber of Commerce in Bangkok.

She will also attend the Asian Gaelic Games where Irish communities in the region compete in a hurling and football tournament.

Her visit will include a trip to the Life Homes project, which cares for mothers and children affected by HIV and Aids.

From there, Mrs McAleese travels to Malaysia for a state visit, which also includes a meeting with medical students from the country who studied here.

The trade mission, the first ever to Thailand, will focus on education, technology, financial services and sourcing sectors.