He called the Newrouz events a "positive development" during a trip to Holland, but then chided the crowds for their lack of patriotism in not waving Turkish flags.

CNN: PKK calls for guns to be silent, how will Turkey respond?

In 2001, with Graham Henry leading the Lions in Australia, caretaker coach Lynn Howells took a development team on a two-Test trip to Japan.

BBC: Eastern Promise: Japanese rugby

Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness will promote economic development, trade, tourism, university and sporting links during the trip.

BBC: Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness in Sao Paulo