2024-03-16 22:54:03
US President Joe Biden today welcomed Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar to the White House and then the two attended a luncheon at the Capitol as the two countries celebrate a century of diplomatic relations, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
The US president wore a green tie in the national color of Ireland and the Oval Office was decorated with a bowl of shamrocks in front of the fireplace.
“May our friendship never rust,” Biden wished the Irish prime minister.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson welcomed the President and Varadkar to the annual Friends of Ireland Luncheon at the Capitol. Johnson introduced Biden as “the most famous Irishman in America.”
Biden used the event to push for foreign aid in support of Ukraine and Israel, as well as humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.
Speaking at the lunch, Varadkar thanked the US for its work to bring peace between Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of Great Britain, with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
However, he also mentioned the war in Ukraine, as the House of Representatives has yet to pass military aid for the country, much to Biden’s disappointment. “Ukraine must not fall and we must together stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes,” Varadkar said. “We look forward to working with America for the next 100 years,” he added.
Biden is almost as attached to his Irish heritage as he is to his home state of Delaware and his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, AP commented. He likes to quote the Irish poet Seamus Heaney and give Irish toasts before formal dinners. Biden also frequently mentions Ireland to leaders from other countries.