Bill Clinton to visit Belfast in March institute opening at Queen's

Mr Clinton has have visited Northern Ireland several times, both during and after his presidency

The former US president Bill Clinton is to visit Belfast in March.

He will attend the opening of a new department at Queen's University named in his honour.

The university said the goals of the William J. Clinton Leadership Institute were similar to those of the Clinton Foundation, which was set up in 2001 following the completion of Mr Clinton's two terms as president.

Mr Clinton and his wife, Hilary, have visited Northern Ireland several times.

Queen's acting president and vice-chancellor, Prof James McElnay, said: "Queen's is honoured to once again welcome President Clinton to the university.

"He has a long and proud association with both Queen's and Northern Ireland and he will have the opportunity to see at first hand our leadership institute, to which he has given his name.

"The aim of the William J. Clinton Leadership Institute at Queen's is directly aligned to the goals of the Clinton Foundation.

"It provides a focus at the heart of the local business community, supporting economic growth and the ongoing development of the knowledge economy."

Mr Clinton previously said that working on the Northern Ireland peace process had been one of the "great honours" of his life.

His last trip was in 2010 when he outlined his ideas for building economic prosperity in Northern Ireland during a visit to Londonderry.