Updated: 13.20
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has held his first bilateral meeting with the French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
Among issues up for discussion were the future of Europe, securing a good deal for Ireland and Europe from Brexit, and building on discussions at last week's European Council Summit.
The two leaders also discussed the close bilateral relations between Ireland and France - as well as opportunities to strengthen them further.
Just arrived at the Elysee to meet @emmanuelmacron. Will be talking Future of Europe and Brexit. pic.twitter.com/LH86AJoj8V
— Leo Varadkar (@campaignforleo) October 24, 2017
This included the proposed Celtic Interconnector energy link between the south coast of Ireland and the north-west coast of France.
French President Emmanuel Macron in Brussels | Image: © European Union
The total length of the interconnector between the two countries would be approximately 600km.
It would be able to generate 700 megawatts of electricity - the equivalent of supplying power to around 450,000 homes.
The Taoiseach said it was a "very constructive and positive" meeting.
Very constructive and positive meeting with @emmanuelmacron. I thanked him for his welcome today and his commitment to work with Ireland pic.twitter.com/B1ZfWDkNa5
— Leo Varadkar (@campaignforleo) October 24, 2017
Mr Varadkar is also attening a business event organised by the Irish embassy in partnership with Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Bord Bia.
This is to promote stronger trade, investment and tourism links between Ireland and France.
