President Biden says relationship between US and Ireland 'growing stronger and stronger'

The relationship between the US and Ireland is growing "stronger and stronger", according to the President of the United States.

Joe Biden made the comments as he met with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in Dublin. It's the latest event during his trip to the island of Ireland.

Mr Varadkar welcomed the President to Farmleigh House, saying: "It’s wonderful to have you back in Ireland and I think the visit has been going extremely well and you very much grace us with your presence."

President Biden said: "I just think it feels so good to be able to have this stronger and stronger relationship between the United States and Ireland.

"I think our values are the same, and I think our concerns are the same, so I'm really looking forward to continuing to work with you."

Mr Biden said Ireland is "moving in a way that is taking its place in the world".

He continued: "I think there really is an opportunity to make serious progress, not just because of the accord that was signed 25 years ago, but in terms of the way Ireland is moving.

"The way it is taking its place in the world, working on helping countries around the world that are dealing with starvation, the way you've welcomed - I know it's not easy - welcomed Ukrainians here and the leadership you've shown."

The meeting took place at Farmleigh House, where the president was also invited to watch a sports demonstration by young gaelic games players.

Mr Biden was earlier welcomed by his Irish counterpart President Michael D. Higgins.

The meeting on Thursday morning took place at the Irish President's official residence the Áras an Uachtaráin, in Dublin.

It is located in Phoenix Park, which has been closed to the public for day.

Mr Biden emerged from a car wearing sunglasses and a broad smile as he walked the red carpet to be met by Mr Higgins and his wife Sabine.

It is Mr Biden's third visit to the residence, but his first as president.

He was taken to the Reception Room where he signed the visitors book.

Mr Biden told reporters he wrote an Irish saying: "Your feet will bring you where your heart is".

He added: "Then I say 'It's an honour to return' and I talk about returning again to the home of my ancesters to celebrate the things that bind Ireland and the United States and recommit ourselves to peace, equity and I think the most Irish of words used in my family, dignity."

Later on Thursday afternoon, President Biden will address the House of the Oireachtas - the Irish Parliament.

After his parliamentary address, Mr Biden will attend a banquet in his honour at Dublin Castle hosted by Taoiseach Mr Varadkar.

Mr Biden is on a four-day trip to the island of Ireland.

His first full day of engagements on Wednesday began in Northern Ireland and saw him deliver a keynote address in Belfast.

In his speech to Ulster University, Mr Biden expressed hopes of a return to powersharing at Stormont as he insisted stable devolved government could deliver an economic windfall for the region.

His visit north of the border came as the region marks the 25th anniversary of the landmark Good Friday peace accord that created Stormont’s institutions.

Before leaving Belfast he had a meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak which was described by a White House aid as a "broad, general discussion" during which they discussed a "number of global challenges".

After his address in Belfast, Mr Biden travelled to Dublin and from there to Co Louth, where he can trace some of his Irish ancestors.

People lined the streets in Carlingford and Dundalk to cheer and wave American flags as Mr Biden arrived.

In a speech at a pub in Dundalk on Wednesday evening he described how he felt like he had come home.

His remarks also included an apparent gaffe when the President appeared to confuse the All Blacks rugby team with the Black and Tans, a contentious police unit from Ireland’s War of Independence era.

Mr Biden was speaking at the Windsor Bar in Dundalk, when he referred to the shamrock tie that he was wearing.

The US president was thanking relative and former Irish rugby player Rob Kearney for the gift of the Irish team tie after a victory against the New Zealand rugby team at Soldier Field in Chicago in 2016.

Mr Biden appeared to mix up the nickname of the New Zealand team, the All Blacks, with the Black and Tans.

The Black and Tans is a name for additional part-time officers recruited to bolster Royal Irish Constabulary numbers in Ireland during the War of Independence, many of whom gained a violent reputation.

He said: “See this tie I have, this shamrock tie?

“It was given to by one of these guys right here, who’s a hell of a rugby player who beat the hell out of the Black and Tans.”

Correcting himself after grimacing, Mr Biden continued: “Ah god. But, but it was when you were at Soldier Field, wasn’t it? Chicago.

“After it was all over he gave my brother, allegedly for me – but if it wasn’t I still took it – I still got the tie. I wore it with great pride.”

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