President to meet China's leader today

President Higgins is invited to an official, bi-lateral meeting with the president of China Xi Jinping this afternoon, where he will be greeted by the Chinese premier at a ceremony attended by both first ladies Sabina Higgins and Peng Liyuan.

Mr Higgins will then be invited to inspect the guards at the Great Hall of the people, where both the Irish and Chinese national anthems will be played.

After the meeting, which is due to last around 45 minutes, both presidents will sign several agreements including a science co-operation agreement, as well as a trade association agreement.

The agenda for the meeting is unconfirmed, but is said to involve further areas of trade co-operation between the two countries, as well as a discussion on international issues such as human rights.