Scotland's first minister makes second visit to Republic of Ireland

Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon will visit Dublin this week where she will meet political and business leaders, including Taoiseach (Irish PM) Leo Varadkar. This is Nicola Sturgeon's second trip to Dublin in less than a year. On that occasion she addressed the upper house of the Irish Parliament. The First Minister has said that she views Ireland as an important friend to Scotland and looked forward to strengthening links between the countries. In the coming meeting Nicola Sturgeon is expected to discuss trade and both countries' common position on Brexit (the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union).

The close relationship between Ireland and Scotland has been highlighted on a previous visit to Scotland by Irish President Michael D Higgins, who described the historic and continuing important links between the countries and said the heritage, culture and language of the two nations were “deeply interwoven”, He had pointed out that this allowed for a “profound connection and understanding” between the people of Ireland and Scotland.