Taoiseach Leo Varadkar thanked US President Joe Biden for "coming home" during a banquet at Dublin Castle on Thursday night.
The dinner in the plush St Patrick’s hall was the final stop on a busy day of political engagements for the US President.
The event was attended by most Cabinet members as well as a number of other well-known faces.
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This included former Taoisigh Enda Kenny and Bertie Ahern, former President Mary McAleese and leaders of opposition parties, including Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald, Labour’s Ivana Bacik and Holly Cairns of the Social Democrats.
Footballer Stephanie Roache, former Irish rugby player Rob Kearney and RTÉ director general Dee Forbes were also in attendance.
During his speech, Mr Biden said that countries like the US and Ireland have "always marched forward to greater futures."
He said: "I find with a lot of Irish families, that they just decided they're not going to be put down by anyone at any time.
"Even when the barriers seem too big or too strong.
"Think about the history [of Ireland], whether it's when you faced famines, hardship or sorrow, together you've always prevailed.
"Together we work to become more peaceful, more equal, more diverse, more unifying.
"Wherever there's a yearning for freedom, a struggle for change, a cry for justice, people around the world know they can count on Ireland."
Mr Varadkar said: "Mr President, our countries share a similar past and philosophy.
"We are joined by bonds of kinship as well as of friendship. But most importantly, we share the same vision about the future and what can be achieved."
Mr Varadkar continued: "Ireland is a great country but it is not a perfect country, none such exists, and we face our own challenges and concerns.
"We will never stop working to improve the lives of our people, fighting to protect our planet, and speaking out on the world stage for our shared values of freedom, democracy and liberty as well as for human rights and dignity.
"Mr President, that is the story of Ireland, and thank you for making it your story too.
"Thank you for coming home."
Artists performing at the dinner included Lisa Hannigan, Loah and Colm Mac Con Iomaire.
Distinguished guests ate a seafood starter with Lambay Island crab cake, a roast lamb main course and pear and maple tart for dessert.
In his opening remarks, the Taoiseach paid tribute to Ireland’s success as well as Mr Biden’s links.
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