Ireland is to open an embassy in the Vietnamese city of Hanoi, the Government confirmed today.
Speaking on a week-long visit to South East Asia, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said the new embassy would help to develop a programme of development co-operation.
Ireland's Overseas Aid programme is currently focused on Africa, and Vietnam will be the first Asian country to receive official Government development aid.
The Taoiseach will also visit Singapore, Malaysia and Bahrain during his tour.
Mr Ahern will attend the Asia-Europe Summit (ASEMV) in Hanoi which will also be attended by leaders from Asian nations, European Union member states and the President of the European Commission.
The summit covers political dialogue, social, cultural and environemtnal issues and economic co-operation.
