Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been meeting the Taoiseach Leo Varadar in Dublin.

As part of the visit on Monday, Ms Sturgeon has been highlighting Scotland's growing political, cultural and business links with Ireland.

Mr Varadkar is holding a working lunch with Ms Sturgeon, who is also hosting an investment round table with business organisation IBEC.

Ms Sturgeon will also visit a schools project, which uses poetry to connect young people in Dublin and Clydebank.

During a speech, she will say that Ireland is 'hugely important' as Scotland's closest international trading partner - exports were worth €1.70bn (stg£1.5bn) in 2017.

Ms Sturgeon will say: "Scotland is an outward-looking, welcoming, European nation that greatly values the friendship and progressive values it shares with Ireland, and we are determined that relationship will go from strength to strength.

"The relationship with Ireland is of vital importance to Scotland.

"As our fifth largest export market, business and cultural links between Scotland and Ireland are very important.

"Whatever happens with Brexit, we will not allow it to damage our relationship with our closest partners and friends, and we will continue to encourage trade, inward investment and international cultural collaboration."

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar greeting the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon on her arrival at Farmleigh House ahead of their working Lunch this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/rG8uE7l8hM

— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) May 27, 2019

Mr Varadkar welcomed Ms Sturgeon to Farmleigh House in Dublin, where she signed the Visitors Book.

The two leaders will take the opportunity to discuss latest political developments in the wake of the European elections, as well as latest Brexit developments.

They will also reflect on the strength of the relationship between Ireland and Scotland and consider opportunities for its further development.