President Barack Obama has confirmed that he will receive the Taoiseach at the White House on St Patrick’s Day in one of the president’s first meetings in Washington with a foreign leader since taking office last month.
“The United States and Ireland have strong bilateral relations, deep cultural ties and a commitment to positive change in the world,” White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said at his daily press briefing today.
“The president is committed to strengthening our partnership with Ireland to address global challenges.
“The president also looks forward to commemorating with the Taoiseach his first St Patrick’s Day in the White House, a celebration that serves as a reminder of the rich history and the friendship that our two countries share.”
The White House has yet to finalise details of the event but it is expected to include the traditional presentation of a bowl of shamrock by the Taoiseach, followed by a bilateral meeting and a reception in the White House.
Mr Cowen will travel on Sunday, 15 March, to New York, where he will address a business breakfast the following morning before leaving for Washington.
In a statement tonight the Taoiseach said he is looking forward to the meeting with president Obama.
Mr Cowen said: "I am delighted to accept president Obama's invitation to Washington on St Patrick's Day.
”The celebration of our national day in the White House is a great tradition which reflects the enduring friendship between Ireland and the United States.
”I look forward to presenting the president with the bowl of shamrock as a symbol of the warmth and strength of our relationship.
”This year, of course, our bilateral discussions will have a particular focus on the severe economic problems which are besetting all economies and on how we can work together internationally to tackle these unprecedented challenges.
”I also look forward to meeting our many other friends on Capitol Hill,” he concluded.