The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern today begins a five-day official visit to Mexico that will include meetings with the country's President, Mr Vicente Fox.
Traveling with Mr Ahern are a large group of business interests. The party arrived in Mexico last night.
The two leaders are likely to discuss the development of contacts between the two countries. A recent trade deal between Mexico and the EU boosted this relationship.
Talks held during this visit will act as a forerunner to a meeting between Latin American countries and the EU in 2004 when Ireland will hold the EU presidency.