An extraordinary event is set to unfold later today as Taoiseach Simon Harris becomes the second Irish leader to meet President Joe Biden in the Oval office this year, following Leo Varadkar’s visit on St Patrick’s Day. The meeting commemorates the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the US, with the US being the first to recognize Irish independence.
During his trip, the Taoiseach was relieved to learn that Israeli military units had withdrawn from their threatening position near an Irish UNIFIL observation post in Lebanon. He expressed gratitude for President Biden and UN Secretary General Guterres’ efforts in ensuring the safety of peacekeepers.
Amid global crises, the centenary celebrations hold significant importance. The Taoiseach emphasized the forward-looking relationship between the two nations and discussed mutual interests such as the Good Friday Agreement and humanitarian issues in Gaza.
The Taoiseach refrained from commenting on former President Trump’s proposed tax cuts, emphasizing Ireland’s longstanding economic relationship with the US beyond corporation tax.
In these tumultuous times, the meeting between Harris and Biden serves as a beacon of hope for continued cooperation and shared prosperity between Ireland and the United States.