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US President Joe Biden and Taoiseach Miche\u00e1l Martin have reaffirmed the deep, historic partnership between their two nations.<\/p>\nUS President Joe Biden and Taoiseach Miche\u00e1l Martin have reaffirmed the deep, historic partnership between their two nations.<\/p>\n
The leaders met virtually on St Patrick\u2019s Day in lieu of the traditional shamrock ceremony in the White House due to the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\n
In a joint statement, they pledged their top priorities as ending the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring global health security, and pursuing a sustainable economic recovery in the US and Ireland.<\/p>\n
Earlier, Mr Martin also had virtual meetings with US Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker Nancy Pelosi.<\/p>\n
Mr Biden said he hopes the traditional visit and shamrock ceremony can take place at the White House next St Patrick\u2019s Day.<\/p>\n
He thanked the Taoiseach for a bowl of shamrock which had been delivered to him, and said the White House will be lit up green to \u201ccelebrate the deep, deep affection that we Americans have for Ireland and the people of Ireland\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt includes millions of Americans like my great-great grandfather, my great-grandfather and my grandfather, all of whom were Irish-Americans, on both sides of the family,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Mr Biden also restated his support for the Good Friday Agreement, adding it was \u201ccritically important\u201d that it was maintained.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe political and economic stability of Northern Ireland is very much in the interest of all of our people,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Mr Biden also referred to the two countries working together on cancer research.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything between Ireland and the United States runs deep \u2013 our joys, our sorrows, our passion, our drive, our unrelenting optimism and hope,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Responding, Mr Martin told Mr Biden that the people of Ireland are \u201cso proud of your election\u201d as a \u201cproud son of Ireland\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels strange to have to celebrate apart. As you know well, Irish people love to come together to celebrate our heritage and culture with song, with dance, with parades, with poetry and with pride, and this year because of the pandemic it just simply isn\u2019t possible,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI greatly look forward to you being able to visit Ireland as you have done so many times and so memorably before. I also hope it will not be long before I can visit the United States again.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor now, the bowl of shamrock in front of you is a symbol of the undying friendship between our two countries, a symbol of the good times we have shared and the challenges we have endured, always at each other\u2019s side.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Martin went on to tell Mr Biden that the policies of their respective countries are \u201cclosely aligned\u201d on the \u201cbig challenges the world faces\u201d.<\/p>\n
He also told him that the world has \u201crightly taken great heart from the steps you have already taken to bring the US back to center stage on global health, on climate and on human rights\u201d.<\/p>\n
Earlier, Ms Harris told Mr Martin that her country\u2019s commitment to Ireland \u201cremains steadfast and strong\u201d.<\/p>\n
Ms Harris spoke of her regret that they were not able to meet in person and expressed hope that next year they will \u201cshare a good breakfast together\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will tell you that our commitment to Ireland remains steadfast and strong,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Mr Martin told Ms Harris that the ties between their two nations were \u201crich\u201d and \u201cdeep\u201d.<\/p>\n
He also congratulated her on becoming the first female US vice president, adding: \u201cYou may be the first woman in your role, but you will not be the last.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope that I will have the opportunity to welcome you to Ireland too during your time as vice president.<\/p>\n
\u201cI look forward to our discussions but, most of all, I am delighted to have this opportunity to get to know you and to wish you a very happy St Patrick\u2019s Day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mass shootings in Atlanta which saw eight people killed were mentioned.<\/p>\n
Ms Harris described the incident as \u201ctragic\u201d, adding she and Mr Biden were grieving for those lost.<\/p>\n
Mr Martin expressed his condolences to the President and Vice President, the American people and the grieving families of those killed and injured.<\/p>\n