The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, is in Cyprus and Slovakia today as part of a series of visits to EU member states and accession countries in advance of Ireland's presidency of the EU next year.
He was greeted on his arrival in Cyprus last night by President Tassos Papadopoulos and also met with the Irish contingent serving with the United Nations mission in Cyprus. Mr Ahern paid tribute to "the important contribution" Irish personnel had made to the UN effort in Cyprus since 1964.
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Mr Ahern in Cyprus today
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This morning, Mr Ahern had discussions with President Papadopoulos at the presidential palace in Nicosia.
He underlined the Government's strong support for the efforts of the UN Secretary General on the situation in Cyprus and "the need for all parties to demonstrate their commitment to re-engaging in the UN negotiating process on the basis of the Annan Plan for a comprehensive settlement".
Mr Ahern said he hoped agreement on a settlement can be reached in time to allow the accession of "a united Cyprus" to the European Union on May 1st next year.
The Taoiseach will travel to Bratislava later today for talks with the Slovakian prime minister, Mr Mikulas Dzurinda.