President Michael D Higgins is meeting the Chinese premier today.

He's on the first Irish state visit to China since Mary McAleese travelled there in 2003.

President Higgins is invited to an official, bi-lateral meeting with the president of China Xi Jinping this afternoon, where he’ll be greeted by the Chinese premier at a ceremony attended by both first lady’s Sabina Higgins and Peng Liyuan.

Mr Higgins will then be invited to inspect the guards at the Great Hall of the people, where both the Irish and Chinese national anthems will be played.

After the meeting, which is due to last around 45 minutes, both presidents will sign several agreements including a science cooperation agreement, as well as a trade association agreement.

The agenda for the meeting is unconfirmed, but is said to involve further areas of trade cooperation between the two countries, as well as a discussion on international issues such as human rights.