President Biden: US-Ireland relations continue to be strong

2023-04-14 16:42:57, Kosova & Bota CNA

President Biden: US-Ireland relations continue to be strong

The President of the USA, Joe Biden

President Joe Biden addressed the Irish Parliament in Dublin, becoming the fourth US leader after Presidents John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton to address Irish lawmakers. President Biden emphasized during the speech in the Irish Parliament the history of good relations between the two countries.

US President Joe Biden mentioned his Irish heritage during his speech to Parliament and emphasized the "enduring" relationship with Ireland that began after "the founding of the United States".

"The Irish helped light the torch of freedom in my country and ignited its revolutionary spirit. "Irish blood from all over this island was shed for the independence of my country," he said.

President Biden praised Dublin's support for Ukraine's defense against Russia's aggression.

Ireland, a member of the European Union but not of NATO, is militarily neutral and has provided humanitarian support to Ukraine.

Earlier, President Biden thanked Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar for housing nearly 80,000 Ukrainian refugees.

"We also reaffirmed our determination that Ireland, America and Europe are united in supporting democracy and freedom in the world, which is under attack in many ways," said the Irish Prime Minister.

As he has done throughout the visit, which began Tuesday in Belfast, Northern Ireland, President Biden in his speech emphasized support for the Good Friday Agreement, which in 1998 ended a bloody 30-year conflict between the who wanted union with Ireland and those who insisted that Northern Ireland remain part of Great Britain.

President Biden said Thursday in Dublin, after ringing the Peace Bell, that he hopes to restore the Northern Ireland government's rule of power-sharing, which has recently been abandoned due to political infighting, putting the deal at risk. of peace.

He said Britain and Ireland must work together to avoid a return to bloodshed.

"Political violence must never again be allowed to rule this island," he said.

President Biden's speech was met with loud applause from Irish lawmakers.

"You have shown unwavering faith, the will and ability to bring together people with different and often conflicting views," said Sean O Fearghail, Speaker of the Irish Parliament.

His speech was also welcomed by Mary Heaney, wife of the late Irish poet Seamus Heaney, whose works Biden often quotes.

The Irish Prime Minister hosted a dinner for President Biden in Dublin Castle./ VOA