President Higgins has arrived in Havana, Cuba for an official state visit where he is due to meet with President Raul Castro.

It is the final leg of his 3-country visit to South America.

President Higgins is the first Irish head of state to visit Cuba while in office. Later tonight, he is due to have a private dinner with Raul Castro at the Palace of the Revolution, after laying a wreath in an official ceremony.

The president will tomorrow is a special guest at the Havana International book club which will also be attended by several renowned Irish authors including Colm Tobin and Joseph O’Connor.

A spokesperson for President Higgins said the visit is an opportunity for Ireland and Cuba to set a course for a deeper and more focused relationship.

It is also seen by the Cuban government as a route to deeper relations with the EU.