President Michael D Higgins has been awarded Peru's highest the Gran Collar of the Order of the Sun.

Continuing his state visit President Higgins witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at improving trade links between Ireland and Peru.

The President began the day by laying a wreath at the Monument to the Heroes and Pioneers of Independence.

He then received an official welcoming ceremony at the Presidential palace before a private meeting with Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski.

According to the official citation, the President received the Gran Collar for his work promoting human rights, peace and democracy.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Minister Leo Varadkar on behalf of the Irish Government.

Ireland wants to explore trade opportunities in the wake of Brexit, while Peru wants to become a member of the OECD.

Representatives of University College Cork signed an agreement to allow postgraduates from Peru to study in Ireland.

UCC also signed a research agreement with the top medical and business universities in Peru.

The President is due to travel to Colombia tomorrow and then on to Cuba.