US President George W Bush will welcome Northern Ireland's First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness to the White House on 7 December.
'The president looks forward to congratulating the two leaders on overcoming years of violent conflict and for taking the historic steps for a peaceful and prosperous future for all the people of Northern Ireland,' said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino.
Ms Perino told reporters that the meeting would come as the two leaders made their first visit to the US since taking office in May.
'Over the past several years, the US has actively supported peace efforts in Northern Ireland, which culminated in the formation of a unified Northern Ireland government,' she said.
