The G8 summit of industrialised countries gets underway this evening in Sea Island, Georgia.
It comes as US President George W Bush welcomed the prospect of an early UN Security Council vote on the latest Iraq resolution and the fact that it might be adopted unanimously.
The Anglo-American resolution clears the way for the transfer of power to an interim Iraqi government at the end of the month.
The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern set off for the US today in his role as President of the European Council to attend the two-day summit.
The EU has observer status at the meeting, which is being hosted by Mr Bush.
Ahead of his departure, Mr Ahern said he welcomed the opportunity for Europe to discuss critical areas of concern with the world leaders, particularly development issues including HIV/AIDS and debt relief.
