Egyptian president makes official visit

Long-time Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak today pays an official visit to Ireland.

Mr Mubarak, 78, who has led his country since 1981, will meet the President, the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs during his two-day stay.

The Arab leader will by greeted by Dermot Ahern at Farmleigh House in Phoenix Park and will later meet President Mary McAleese at Áras an Uachtaráin, where he will plant a tree.

Mr Mubarak will also pay a courtesy call on Taoiseach Bertie Ahern at Government Buildings.

Mr Mubarak’s wife, Suzanne, will visit St Michael’s House in Ballymun, where she will meet children with intellectual disabilities and complex medical needs. She will also talk to adults with severe physical and intellectual disabilities.

Mrs Mubarak will also pay a courtesy call on the local library to meet children attending mainstream schools and those using inclusive technology.

Mr Mubarak, who became Egyptian President after the assassination of Anwar Sadat, was elected to a fifth term in office in September 2005.