Andy Burnham will host Irish leader Micheál Martin in Manchester to discuss boosting trade, security, and working with the EU.
The Taoiseach will be the first international leader to visit No 10 North as the Prime Minister prepares to host him in Manchester.
Andy Burnham and Micheál Martin will discuss strengthening the relationship between the UK and Ireland in their first official meeting since the Prime Minister took office.
They are expected to focus on shared objectives, including boosting trade and security, supporting Ukraine and working with the European Union as Dublin continues its presidency of the EU.
The visit follows the hosting of Canadian prime minister Mark Carney in Liverpool and Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte in Oxford this week.
Ahead of the meeting with Mr Martin on Friday, Mr Burnham said: “I’m delighted to be hosting the Taoiseach as the first international leader to visit No10 North – this is a historic moment and a proud day for Manchester.
“No 10 North is all about creating opportunities for working people, and our partnership with Ireland as we improve the lives of people in both of our countries is a key part of that.
“There is so much we can achieve together: from our shared commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, to trade, to working with Europe and supporting Ukraine.
“We are the closest of friends, and I look forward to further strengthening that friendship.”
Following their meeting at No 10 North, the leaders will visit a local Irish community centre to meet with representatives from the Irish community in Greater Manchester.
The meeting comes just days after US President Donald Trump made headlines by saying he would “love to see” a united Ireland while at a meeting with the Taoiseach during a visit in Dublin.
Mr Trump said a united Ireland would “happen eventually” and that the Taoiseach was “the right man over here to get it moving”.
Ireland is the UK’s sixth largest trading partner and Dublin-London is the busiest intra-European air route.
