The White House has confirmed that Taoiseach Brian Cowen has been invited to the White House on St Patrick's Day for the Shamrock ceremony.
The future of the annual event appeared to be in doubt when Mr Obama assumed office but the White House confirmed tonight that it was going ahead as normal on 17 March.
Mr Cowen said he was delighted to accept the US President's invitation to Washington on St Patrick's Day - the first face-to-face meeting between the two men.
'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,' he said.
'I look forward to presenting the President with the bowl of shamrock as a symbol of the warmth and strength of our relationship.'
Both leaders will also hold bilateral talks and Mr Cowen added: 'This year, the 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.'
The Taoiseach's two-day programme will include meetings with community leaders and business leaders in New York.
He is also due to address to the American Ireland Fund in Washington and attend meetings with key US political leaders on Capitol Hill.
