The DUP leader, Rev Ian Paisley, is to bring a party delegation to Dublin on Thursday for talks with the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
The day after his cabinet reshuffle Bertie Ahern will break new political ground at government buildings.
In his role as DUP leader, 78-year-old Ian Paisley has never before entered government buildings for political talks.
According to a Government spokesperson, Thursday's meeting will explore the issues that were not resolved at negotiations in Kent earlier this month.
The DUP came in for criticism during those talks.
Ian Paisley said at the time he would continue to negotiate and he would not be running away.
Thursday's meeting is further proof of improving relations between the DUP and Dublin.
Brian Cowen played a role in that development, but he may have left his Foreign Affairs portfolio before the DUP comes south.
