Joe Biden and Leo Varadkar exchange well wishes in phonecall

Mr Varadkar thanked Mr Biden, while paying tribute to the role the US president has played in US-Ireland relations, which he adds have 'never been better'

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and US president Joe Biden during the St Patrick's Day Reception and Shamrock Ceremony in the the East Room of the White House earlier this month. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

US president Joe Biden has wished outgoing Taoiseach Leo Varadkar well as he steps down, during a call between the two leaders earlier today.

In a White House readout, Mr Biden spoke with Mr Varadkar to “recognise his seven years of service as Taoiseach and Tánaiste”.

“Having recently celebrated St Patrick’s Day at the White House, they reflected on their co-operation over the years on shared priorities, particularly deepening US-Ireland ties between our people and our economies,” the US readout stated.

Mr Varadkar thanked Mr Biden, while paying tribute to the role the US president has played in US-Ireland relations, which, he added, have “never been better”.

The call, which took place earlier today, saw Mr Varadkar brief the US president on the upcoming North/South Ministerial Council — which is due to take place on 8 April.

“The Taoiseach told the president that, all going well, his successor will be appointed on April 9, and looks forward to continuing to work with the US on global affairs, including Ukraine and the Middle East, and to continuing to strengthen ties between Ireland and the US,” the Irish Government readout stated.

Mr Varadkar also wished Mr Biden well on his upcoming re-election campaign in November.

“The president conveyed that he looks forward to continuing to build a vibrant future for US-Irish relations with the new taoiseach, once elected by the Dáil,” the US readout ends.