Tánaiste Micheál Martin has hailed the "constant support" provided by the Irish American relationship as he met a high-level political delegation, which is accompanying US President Joe Biden on his trip to Ireland.
Meeting with Irish politicians, including the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, as well as Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan in Ballina earlier, US Secretary of State for Agriculture Tom Vilsack said he was "awestruck" by the tremendous capacity of Ireland in terms of agriculture.
Mr Vilsack, who is leading the group of US representatives, said the relationship between Ireland and the US, in particular in relation to trade, was hugely important.
A range of senior US politicians including Representative Ritchie Neal and former US Ambassador Kevin O'Leary were among those involved in the meeting in Co Mayo, which took place just ahead of a speech by Mr Biden in the town tonight.
Their talks covered a range of issues, from continued partnership on economic prosperity to working globally to achieve common goals.
Mr Vilsack said he wanted to discuss ways in which the US and Ireland could work together on issues like agriculture, climate change and food security.
The bonds between Ireland and the United States have been repeatedly emphasised by President Biden during his trip, with him telling an audience in Dublin Castle last night that there is "nothing the US and Ireland can’t achieve together".
This evening’s discussions between the US delegation and Irish representatives also focused on peace on the island, with President Biden timing his trip to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
The group gathered included many of those described by the Irish Government as "friends of Ireland" who have worked for many years in support of issues of mutual concern to the United States and Ireland.
