They later emerged at the state reception room to greet staff from Aras An Uchtarain and the South African embassy.

BBC: Mandela urges NI peace

Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Mandela signed the visitor's book at Aras An Uchtarain, the home of Irish heads of state, and then had 20 minutes of private talks with Mrs McAleese.

BBC: Mandela urges NI peace

Aras Agalarov, one of the first traders of luxury brands on the Russian market, recently left the luxury business, transferring the rights to develop brands including Lanvin, Chloe, Emanuel Ungaro, Nina Ricci and Sergio Rossi to competitors Mercury and Bosco di Ciliegi.

FORBES: Aras Agalarov