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Simon Harris to meet with US President Joe Biden in White House on state visit next month

Simon Harris to meet with US President Joe Biden in White House on state visit next month

Mr Harris confirmed the invitation as he attended the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Officials would not confirm the exact date for the first meeting of the two leaders which will come amid increasing speculation when the General Election will be held.

A statement from the Taoiseach’s Office said Mr Harris “accepted an invitation” from Mr Biden to visit the White House next month.

“The Taoiseach and President Biden will both speak at an event to mark the centenary of bilateral diplomatic relations between Ireland and the US, which was the first country to recognise Ireland’s place among the nations of the world,” it said.

“The event will also be an opportunity to reflect on President Biden’s career-long friendship with Ireland,” it added.

During his visit to Washington DC, the Taoiseach also plans to hold other engagements.

Mr Harris was in attendance at the United Nations headquarters for President Biden’s address on Tuesday.

Speaking after the speech, Mr Harris said he welcomed the fact Mr Biden referenced the need for a two-state solution to bring to an end the violence in the Middle East.

“A two-state solution is the way that provides peace and security for Israel, and peace and security for Palestine. And we have to be so careful to differentiate, when we’re talking about these issues, between the people of Israel and the Prime Minister of Israel, because they’re very different,” he said.

“There must be millions of people in Israel who want their kids to grow up in peace and security, and a better future, who want their grandkids to be safe and secure. And that’s the same in Palestine. So we should never allow the actions of the head of a government to distort what is the view, I think, of so many people in the Middle East who just want to be able to live in peace and security. But the situation is grave,” he added.

Mr Harris said he would not interfere in another country’s foreign policy when he was asked about the US continuing to supply weapons to Israel.

“I wouldn’t appreciate another country telling us our foreign policy or telling us how to proceed, but I know how hard President Biden has worked to try and bring about a ceasefire. I’ve spoken to him on the phone. I’ve seen how many times, Secretary Blinken has travelled to the region – an extraordinary number of times to have talks,” he said.

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