The Taoiseach has spoken to US President-elect Donald Trump with the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine among the items discussed.
Simon Harris took the call while travelling between canvasses in the northwest of the country this afternoon.
Mr Trump, who was previously US president from 2017 to 2021, was re-elected to the White House last week after victory in the election.
He will take office on 20 January 2025, replacing current President Joe Biden.
Simon Harris said that he took the opportunity to speak with Mr Trump and to congratulate him on his victory.
The Taoiseach said the two men discussed "the horrific humanitarian situation in the Middle East" and the situation in Ukraine.
The "deep and historic economic ties" between Ireland and the United States were also on the agenda, Mr Harris said, adding that they two spoke about Ireland's "good" economic location and acknowledged that the Irish economy is "doing well".
"I did make the point to the President-elect that the US and the EU obviously need to work together on so many issues, economic, humanitarian, and bringing peace to the world," he said, and suggested a US-EU trade summit.
"I think it’s really important, now that we have clarity on the outcome of the political situation in the US, that the EU does put in meaningful mechanisms to engage," Mr Harris said.
"The US and the EU need each other, and I think it’s important for trade, investment, stability and certainty in the world."
Mr Harris said the Irish-American connection is a "two-way relationship", adding that while there are many jobs in Ireland created by US companies, Irish firms have made many roles available in the US.
The Taoiseach described the contact as an "important initial conversation".
He added that Mr Trump said he hoped that the two men could meet soon.
Describing the world as a "very grim and dark place at the moment", Mr Harris said that he expressed to the US President-elect that wants to see "an end to the loss of civilian life and peace".
In a statement, the Taoiseach's office said the two men agreed to stay in touch.
