Taoiseach to meet Kofi Annan for talks

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is to hold face-to-face talks with UN secretary general Kofi Annan in New York early next month, it emerged tonight.

Mr Ahern is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with Mr Annan at UN headquarters on June 1 while both are attending the UNAIDS Summit.

A Government spokesperson confirmed the Taoiseach’s three-day itinerary will also include a speaking engagement with UN General Assembly president Jan Eliasson and UNAIDS executive director Peter Piot.

Mr Ahern is to launch the Development Co-operation Ireland annual report while in New York.

The Taoiseach previously visited New York for the UN World Summit with other world leaders in September 2005.