Mr Tony Blair is to become the first British Prime Minister to address the Oireachtas. He accepted a public invitation from the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, on the steps of Government Buildings to return to Dublin in the autumn.
The two leaders met last night for the first time since the signing of the Belfast Agreement and promised to exploit what the Prime Minister described as the beginning of "a new era" between Ireland and Britain.
Mr Blair's overnight visit to Dublin - his first as Prime Minister - also involved a meeting with the President, Mrs McAleese, at Aras an Uachtarain and was part of his tour of European capitals in the run-up to the EU summit in Cardiff this month.
Neither Mr Ahern nor Mr Blair would take questions from the media. But in separate brief statements to a large group of journalists, they spoke warmly of the strengthening relations between the two countries.
Prior to dinner at Government Buildings at 8 p.m., the Taoiseach and Prime Minister reviewed the outcome of the two referendums on May 22nd, and discussed steps towards the implementation of the agreement "in a balanced and comprehensive way".
According to Mr Ahern, after a year of intense work negotiating the Belfast Agreement and having it ratified by the electorate, the two governments now had to see to its implementation in the period ahead.
"It is our view in the Irish Government that the result of the referendums gives a great opportunity for a new relationship, a closer relationship, between our two governments. We look forward to working together to achieve that," Mr Ahern said.
Inviting Mr Blair to return to Dublin to address a joint sitting of both Houses of the Oireachtas, Mr Ahern said all the parties in Leinster House had requested him to ask the Prime Minister to speak to the Dail and Seanad.
Mr Blair said he was honoured at the thought of addressing the Oireachtas. Such a development indicated "the degree to which the whole relationship between the UK and the Republic of Ireland is changing and developing." A new era in that relationship was opening up.
"It is not just a question of discussing Northern Ireland. There are a whole range of issues that we have in common where it is important that we discuss, exchange views and - where we can - adopt common positions in the interests of both countries."
This was particularly true of Europe, where they could offer each other support and assistance.
After stating his appreciation of "all the magnificent work and dedication that he (Mr Ahern) has shown over this past period of time," Mr Blair said they had worked extremely closely and well together.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to travel to Belfast this morning.