BRITISH PRIME MINISTER David Cameron has welcomed president Michael D Higgins to Downing Street this afternoon as the historic State visit to the UK continues.
Cameron greeted Higgins as he arrived into Downing Street this lunchtime before guiding him up the red carpet and into Number 10 where they briefly posed for photographs and said a few words in front of the assembled media.
In his brief remarks, Cameron hailed a “very special partnership between two countries who are not just neighbours but really good friends”.
“It is a real privilege to be prime minister of the United Kingdom at a time when Anglo-Irish relations are on such an up,” he said.
For his part, Higgins said there is a “great kind of cooperation” in every aspect of Britain and Ireland’s relationship.
He said that the peace process “requires our continuing vigilance” and thanked the Prime Minister for the “incredible reception” he has received on the visit.
“I am so pleased to be here Prime Minister,” he added.
Earlier, the President met Irish staff at University College Hospital in London before addressing the Royal Society.
His wife Sabina and their two children paid a visit to the Royal Academy (RADA).
After lunch at Downing Street, Higgins has more public events this afternoon before a dinner hosted by the Lord Mayor of London at the Guildhall this evening where some 700 people are expected to attend.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say