As St. Patrick’s Day approached, President Joe Biden welcomed Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar to the White House on Friday, marking a century of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Sporting a green necktie in homage to Ireland, Biden and Varadkar exchanged warm words, emphasizing the enduring friendship between their nations.
The Oval Office was adorned with a symbolic bowl of shamrocks, adding to the festive atmosphere. Biden, expressing his sentiments, remarked, “May the hinge of our friendship never grow rusty,” underscoring the deep bond shared between the United States and Ireland.
The celebration continued as House Speaker Mike Johnson hosted the annual “Friends of Ireland Luncheon” at the Capitol, where Biden was introduced as “America’s most famous Irishman.”
Amidst the jovial gathering, Biden seized the opportunity to advocate for foreign aid, highlighting the importance of supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Varadkar, in his address, expressed gratitude to the United States for its role in fostering peace between Ireland and Northern Ireland through the historic 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
However, he also turned attention to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, acknowledging the challenges faced in securing military aid for the country, much to Biden’s concern.
