Varadkar says Ireland, US relationship ‘stronger and deeper than ever’

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar speaks to the media during a media doorstep at the Salamander Hotel, in Washington, DC, during his visit to the US for St Patrick's Day.

The relationship between Ireland and the US could not be stronger, the Taoiseach has said.

On the eve of a bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden, Leo Varadkar attended an event hosted at the Irish ambassador’s residence in Washington DC.

Speaking at the event, Mr Varadkar said: “A hundred years of official diplomatic relations have woven a relationship that is stronger and deeper than ever.”

In his remarks, he also celebrated the countries’ long-standing, two-way trade relations, emphasising that he was “proud” Ireland was one of the top 10 investors in the US.

Mr Varadkar and his partner Matt Barrett arrive for a St Patrick’s Day Reception hosted by the Irish Embassy at the official residence of the Irish Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason, in Washington, DC (Niall Carson/PA)

On Friday, Mr Varadkar will meet US vice president Kamala Harris before a bilateral with Mr Biden at the White House.

He will also meet the Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson at Capitol Hill.

On Sunday, The Taoiseach will also gift Mr Biden a bowl of shamrock as part of an annual tradition to mark St Patrick’s Day.

Mr Varadkar started the trip on Monday and since then has spoken several times at about how he will use the special platform of the St Patrick’s Day visit to press Mr Biden to back a ceasefire in the Gaza, while also thanking the US for leadership in support for Ukraine.

He said that the highlight of his trip so far was seeing Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly jointly address the Ireland Funds gala in Boston.