Taoiseach Simon Harris to use Washington DC meeting with US President Joe Biden to 'tackle' Middle East conflict

The trip suffered a major setback as the main event of the two-day visit was cancelled before Mr Harris had even left Dublin

Taoiseach Simon Harris is in Washington DC today to meet US President Joe Biden to mark 100 years of Irish-US relations.

The Taoiseach yesterday vowed to speak to President Biden about the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

However, the trip suffered a major setback as the main event of the two-day visit was cancelled before Mr Harris had even left Dublin.

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A reception in the Rose Garden of the White House had been scheduled but was postponed indefinitely by President Biden on Monday night as the event was expected to start at the same time as Hurricane Milton was due to hit Florida.

However, a bilateral meeting will still be held between the two men on Wednesday afternoon.

The Taoiseach will also attend a special event at Georgetown University to mark 100 years of US/Irish diplomatic relations.

While there, he will also have other political engagements, including with the Friends of Ireland caucus and USAID Administrator, Samatha Power.

Ahead of the trip, Mr Harris noted that the US was the “first country to recognise Ireland”. “The centenary of that moment comes at a very troubling time in the world. I expect that, in our discussions, President Biden and I will reflect on where the US and Ireland can do more to work together, based on shared values, to tackle the many challenges we face, including the desperate situation in Gaza and the wider Middle East,” he said.

“We urgently need to see a return to a diplomatic and political path aimed at facilitating durable solutions that can bring peace and security to all the people of the region.

“I am looking forward to marking the centenary of the relationship between the US and Ireland through my discussion with President Biden and at an event at Georgetown University. It is a unique and special relationship that is renewed and strengthened with each generation.

“In reflecting on what we have achieved together, I will be using my visit to thank the US for its abiding commitment to peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland, and to celebrate the economic ties that see investment flow between us, contributing to jobs, opportunities and prosperity in each other’s country.”

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