President McAleese begins visit to the Middle East

President Mary McAleese is beginning a six-day visit to the Middle East today.

The president will spend time in Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and will deliver the keynote address at the influential Jeddah Economic Forum, which begins today in Saudi Arabia.

Other speakers at the event include former US Vice-President Al Gore, and heads of state from across Africa.

President McAleese will also attend a conference of Saudi business women during her time there.

She is then to travel to Jordan for a three-day state visit, where she will be joined by the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell.

The President will also be accompanied by a trade mission of over forty companies.

She is due to return to Ireland on Friday.