With ever increasing numbers of eastern Europeans coming to live and work in Northern Ireland, this week’s visit by the leader of the Czech people is being seen as all the more appropriate - especially as it will highlight the huge commercial redevelopment of Belfast's Titanic Quarter.

Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic is to undertake a full programme of engagements with the visit focused on local regeneration - specifically looking at Belfast's once great shipyards and how it is being redeveloped as a giant new commercial development and also in providing an opportunity to meet members of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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He will meet Jim Rodgers, Lord Mayor of Belfast today and receive an economic overview of the city and join a reception attended by Milan Mladek, Honorary Czech Consul and a number of Czech nationals who now live in Northern Ireland.

Councillor Rodgers will also accompany President Klaus and his wife on a short walk in Belfast city centre.

Later, President Klaus, along with his delegation, will tour the greater Belfast area by coach.

He will meet John Nicholl, Finance Director, Titanic Quarter Limited, who will accompany the President on a “Titanic Tour” boat trip to view the Titanic Quarter regeneration development and the birthplace of RMS Titanic.

During his stay, President Klaus is also meeting Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, and will attend a lunch in Parliament Building hosted by Mr David McClarty, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.

Earlier this week, he also carried out a number of engagements in other parts of the United Kingdom reflecting the close and co-operative bilateral relationship that exists between the Czech Republic and the UK.

(BMcC)