The Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin is to mark the 25th anniversary of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) by attending a passing out event for student officers in Belfast on Friday.

It is the first time that an Irish prime minister has been to one of the ceremonies.

Along with Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant, he will watch about 40 student officers affirm the oath of office at the PSNI's training college in east Belfast.

Speaking ahead of the event, Martin paid tribute to the PSNI and said that it was "a key part of delivering the Good Friday Agreement and the peace that it made possible".

"The government of Ireland is committed to building on the achievements of that peace, deepening the cooperation across our jurisdictions, and harnessing the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement," he added.

The PSNI was created out of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) as a new beginning for policing, after work by Lord Patten, a former government minister.

One of the key objectives was to build greater community support for the police and increase Catholic officers.

The PSNI and An Garda Síochána (Irish police) have a close working relationship, including combating planned attacks by dissident republican groups such as the New IRA.

In August, the garda commissioner Justin Kelly attended a PSNI passing out ceremony at the invitation of chief constable Jon Boutcher.

Martin said: "I look forward to extending my congratulations to all the new constables being conferred at today's attestation ceremony.

"This is a proud day for them and their families, and I wish the new officers every success in their policing careers.

"I am also pleased to be in Belfast for today's ceremony as we mark 25 years since the establishment of the PSNI and the significant achievements made since the Patten Commission."