Bulgarian president to meet Ahern

The first official visit of a Bulgarian head of state to Ireland is to take place next week.

President Georgi Parvanov and government ministers will arrive on Sunday and the itinerary includes meetings with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and President Mary McAleese.

The visit aims to improve diplomatic relations and foster political dialogue between the two countries.

A communist state until the fall of the Berlin Wall, Bulgaria is due to become a full EU member in 2007.

The Bulgarian delegation is expected to explore Ireland’s successful experience in drawing EU structural funds.

The Bulgarian delegation includes regional development minister Asen Gagauzov, transport minister Petar Mutafchiev and parliamentary deputy spokesperson Lyuben Kornezov.

President Parvanov will also meet representatives of the Irish business during his visit, which is at the invitation of President McAleese.