Dublin  - Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves started a three-day state visit to Ireland Monday, Irish officials said.

Ilves was scheduled to meet Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern Monday for talks that "are expected to cover our bilateral relations and our shared EU membership," a statement from Ahern's office said.

Ilves was also to receive a ceremonial 21-gun salute outside the presidential residence and attend a state dinner on Monday hosted by President Mary McAleese, according to a statement from McAleese's office.

Estonia is one of the 10 countries that joined the European Union under the Irish presidency in 2004.

This is the first state visit to Ireland by a president of Estonia. (dpa)