Canadian prime minister Mark Carney has described his visit to Ireland as a return “home”.
Carney, who has Irish grandparents, is accompanied by his wife Diana Fox Carney for the two-day trip which will see him take part in engagements in Dublin city centre and Co Mayo in the west of Ireland.
They were greeted by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and his wife Mary Martin at Dublin Airport on Saturday morning.
The Prime Minister and Taoiseach later held a one-on-one engagement and press conference at Government Buildings.
Carney will also meet Irish President Catherine Connolly in Co Mayo on Sunday.
At the press conference, Carney and Martin announced a new “bilateral co-operation framework” on trade and investment, life sciences, research and innovation, and security and defence.
Martin said Ireland was welcoming the prime minister “home”.
He said: “I know I speak for the people of Mayo, and indeed for the Irish people more broadly, when I say that we are deeply honoured to welcome him back.”
Carney responded: “Micheál, thank you for welcoming me back home.
“It is a true pleasure to return to Dublin, and an honour to be the first Canadian prime minister in a decade to be making an official visit here.”
He had earlier signed the official guestbook in Martin’s office, writing: “In deep appreciation for your leadership and that of Ireland towards a deeper relationship between our countries based on our shared history, common valued and bold ambitions.”
Carney is the grandson of Irish emigrants who were born in Mayo and left the country more than 100 years ago for Canada.
Canadian ambassador to Ireland Dennis King and his wife Jana Hemphill was also present at the airport, as well as Irish ambassador to Canada John Concannon and his wife Mary Concannon.
Ireland’s Government has hailed the visit as a “significant milestone” in relations between the two countries.
It said Ireland and Canada enjoy deep historical ties, with 4.4 million Canadians — more than 12% of the population — claiming Irish heritage.
The Government also says Canada contributed to peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland.
Canadian investment in Ireland has increased by 131% since 2016 while Ireland is now Canada’s eighth largest foreign investor.
The visit also comes after the Oireachtas passed the Arbitration Amendment Act, which enables Ireland to proceed to ratify the comprehensive economic and trade agreement (Ceta) once the legislation is signed by the President.
Saturday’s itinerary includes a visit to Trinity College Dublin and an official dinner at Dublin Castle.
The Carneys are due to stay overnight at Farmleigh House in Phoenix Park before travelling to Mayo on Sunday.
