Next month, Simon Harris, the Taoiseach, is planning a significant trip to the United States to meet with President Joe Biden after having accepted an invitation to commemorate the 100th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Ireland and the US. The exact schedule of the journey has yet to be disclosed. Harris has confirmed his White House visit amidst his roles in ongoing bilateral and UN General Assembly meetings in New York.
Post-meeting, both leaders will address a gathering that celebrates the centennial of diplomatic ties between their respective nations, a move pointing to America being the first nation officially acknowledging Ireland’s international standing. Also, the scheduled event will serve as a platform to reflect upon President Biden’s enduring association with Ireland.
Whilst in Washington DC, Harris will attend numerous other engagements. His White House visit happens at a juncture where speculation about him potentially initiating a general election is rife.
At the United Nations General Assembly, both Harris and Ireland’s Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, were present. Their appearance was marked by Biden’s final UN address as President. Furthermore, Martin inaugurated Ireland House in New York, a centre that combines several Irish organisations under one roof, including the Consulate General of Ireland, Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Tourism Ireland, CIE Tours, and The Ireland Funds.
“I am confident that the Ireland House in New York will fortify our capacities for diplomacy, trade, tourism, business and the promotion of Irish food and culture in the upcoming years”, Martin stated.
Additionally, he declared €4.5 million funding of grants awarded by the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme for over 140 entities across the States.