President Joe Biden celebrated St. Patrick's Day early by hosting Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar at the White House on Friday. The two leaders attended a luncheon at the U.S. Capitol to mark a century of diplomatic relations between the United States and Ireland. President Biden sported a green necktie in honor of Ireland, and the Oval Office was adorned with shamrocks for the occasion.
During the luncheon, President Biden expressed his hope for the enduring friendship between the two nations, stating, 'May the hinge of our friendship never grow rusty.' House Speaker Mike Johnson welcomed the president and Varadkar at the annual 'Friends of Ireland Luncheon,' where Biden was affectionately introduced as 'America's most famous Irishman.'
President Biden took the opportunity to advocate for foreign aid to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, as well as to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza and Israel. Prime Minister Varadkar, in turn, expressed gratitude for the United States' role in brokering peace between Ireland and Northern Ireland through the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. He also emphasized the importance of standing by Ukraine in its time of need.
President Biden's deep connection to his Irish heritage is well-known, with his fondness for quoting Irish poets and delivering Irish toasts on various occasions. His campaign organized a virtual event to engage Irish American voters, recognizing the significant population of over 30 million people in the U.S. claiming Irish ancestry, with a notable concentration in the Chicago area.
The event highlighted the enduring bond between the United States and Ireland, with both leaders expressing their commitment to continued cooperation and friendship for the next century.
