![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/2.41764139.jpg\")
The United States and Ireland are bound together with ties of kinship and friendship, US president Donald Trump has said.<\/p>\nThe United States and Ireland are bound together with ties of kinship and friendship, US president Donald Trump has said.<\/p>\n
Mr Trump described the relationship between the two countries as \u201cstrong and resilient\u201d during an event in Washington DC attended by Irish politicians.<\/p>\n
During the Speaker\u2019s Lunch at the Capitol Building, Mr Trump also reassured Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on the ongoing Brexit debate saying \u201cit will all work out\u201d.<\/p>\n
The annual lunch was hosted by House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Capitol Hill and included a number of Irish political representatives as well as Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.<\/p>\n
US vice-president Mike Pence, DUP leader Arlene Foster, and Sinn F\u00e9in president Mary Lou McDonald were also in attendance.<\/p>\n
Speaking about his earlier private meeting with Mr Varadkar, the US president said: \u201cWe discussed a lot of things, in particular we talked about Brexit, something that turned out to be a little more complex than they thought it be.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut it will all work out, everything does, one way or the other.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve got a very interesting view on it, and I appreciate you letting me know what\u2019s going on over there.<\/p>\n
\u201c(It\u2019s) a very tough situation.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cThe United States and Ireland are bound together with ties of both kinship and friendship, a really great friendship.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday, our relationship is as strong and resilient as the great Irish people are strong and resilient.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Varadkar thanked the Friends of Ireland caucus in Congress for the \u201cvital help\u201d in protecting the Good Friday Agreement.<\/p>\n
The organization was founded by Irish-American politicians to support peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
Mr Varadkar added: \u201cThe Irish people have always had a dialogue with the American people. It is genuine, it is warm, and it has stood the test of time.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour political and civic leaders \u2013 of all parties and backgrounds \u2013 helped shape the country that Ireland is today.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd I want to say on behalf of the Irish government and behalf of the Irish people, that we thank the Friends of Ireland caucus in Congress for their vital help at this critical time to protect the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement and ensure there is no return to a hard border on the island of Ireland, whatever happens with Brexit.<\/p>\n
\u201cMadam Speaker, President Reagan once said that \u2018a people free to choose will always choose peace\u2019. He was right, and I know the land of liberty will continue to protect that fundamental freedom.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mrs Pelosi praised the bond the two countries share.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis has been a tradition where we dispense from our differences, whether it is political or whether they are competitive in any other way, and where we come together and celebrate,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHere in America we take great pride in Irish heritage that millions in our country claim.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we celebrate our common heritage we also look to the future and work to continue peace in Northern Ireland.\u201d<\/p>\n