Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has presented US President Donald Trump with the traditional bowl of shamrock at the White House.
President Trump told reporters Mr Varadkar is “doing a great job” as he greeted the Taoiseach outside the White House ahead of the traditional Shamrock bowl presentation
He joked he would be welcoming Varadkar to the White House for St Patrick’s Day “for around seven more years, I think”.
Varadkar used his speech to highlight the undocumented Irish in the US.
“I know that the Irish people who have made their lives here, including those who are undocumented and living in the shadows, love this country dearly,” he said.
They have the same dream as the men and women who inspired Washington, fought for Lincoln, and work alongside you today.
“They want to continue to contribute to the life of this great country, and continue to play their part. Their dream will never die.”
The Taoiseach also discussed trade between the US and Ireland.
“Irish firms employ more than 100,000 people here across all 50 states. Since you took office, Mr. President, 59 Irish companies have made new investments in this country. We are bringing jobs, good jobs.
Each and every week we trade $2 billion in goods and services back and forth across the Atlantic. We want that to grow.