Washington DC, 18 March 2023 (TDI): The United States (US) President Joe Biden welcomed Irish Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar to the White House on Friday to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and strengthen the friendship between the US and Ireland.
Continuing a longstanding St. Patrick’s Day tradition, President Biden met with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar of Ireland today to reaffirm the close and historic bond between the United States and Ireland. pic.twitter.com/QyxGPrZ5Ds
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 17, 2023
The meeting included discussions on a range of issues, including Brexit, the Good Friday Agreement, and the situation in Ukraine.
During their meeting, President Biden and Prime Minister Varadkar discussed the progress made in negotiations surrounding the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union, commonly known as Brexit.
The Irish government played an integral role in the negotiations and pushed for the inclusion of the Northern Ireland Protocol.
It is designed to maintain an open border between Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, and the Republic of Ireland, an EU member.
Taoiseach, St. Patrick’s Day wouldn’t be right without your visit.
Ireland and the U.S. will always defend the shared values that comprise our nations’ character.
Together we stand to support Ukraine, hold Russia accountable, and take on the issues shaping the world. pic.twitter.com/N6lUZA3b0b
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 17, 2023
President Biden expressed his gratitude for the Irish government’s support and understanding of their position on Brexit. He also highlighted the importance of the Good Friday Agreement and the need to maintain peace in the region.
The two leaders also discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the importance of standing up against Russian aggression. Varadkar reiterated Ireland’s support for Ukraine and pledged to stand with the country for as long as it takes.
Cultural ties between US and Ireland
In addition to their discussions on political issues, the leaders also highlighted the cultural ties between the US and Ireland.
President Biden, who has Irish ancestry, praised the longstanding tradition of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the US and the strong friendship between the two nations.
The Irish – like their American brothers – wrote for themselves a better future.
With bravery in their blood, their work has borne centuries of fruit.
And here at home, those values have been passed down around countless Irish-American dinner tables just like mine.
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 17, 2023
Following their meeting at the White House, Joe Biden and Prime Minister, Varadkar attended a Friends of Ireland Caucus luncheon hosted by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
St. Patrick’s Day is always a moment of great unity in Washington.
It was great sitting down with Democrats and Republicans alike who share a deep respect and love of Ireland. pic.twitter.com/Jv2ykj3iNm
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 17, 2023
They then returned to the White House for a St. Patrick’s Day reception, where Varadkar presented the president with a crystal bowl full of shamrocks, as per tradition.
The in-person meetings at the White House and lunch with congressional leaders at the Capitol were suspended for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, with the successful rollout of vaccines and other public health measures, President Biden and Prime Minister Varadkar were able to resume this important tradition this year.
Also Read: US & UK discuss Northern Ireland Protocol
Niall Horan, the Irish native formerly of One Direction, also gave a flawless performance in the East Room, before an audience that included President Joe Biden, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Sen.
Horan’s playlist included Heaven, Flicker, This Town, and Spancil Hill, which is about emigration, and his performance was impeccable.
Today, it’s my great honor to welcome so much indomitable Irishry to the White House. pic.twitter.com/dOais2uYgK
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 18, 2023
In addition to his meeting with President Biden, Prime Minister Varadkar and his partner, Matthew Barrett, attended a breakfast with Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, at the vice president’s official residence.
Overall, the meeting between President Biden and Prime Minister Varadkar demonstrated the strong ties between the United States and Ireland and highlighted the importance of working together to address global challenges.
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