Taoiseach Brian Cowen Meets President Obama In Washington

Tuesday marked the first celebration of St. Patrick's Day at the White House since President Barack Obama and the Taoiseach Brian Cowen, T.D. took office.

That morning the Taoiseach Brian Cowen T.D. attended a 40-minute bilateral meeting with the President in the Oval Office. The Taoiseach's meeting with the new President was only the third bilateral meeting for any foreign leader since his inauguration.

The talks between the President and the Taoiseach focused on the global economic crisis, as well as recent developments in the North and bilateral relations between Ireland and the United States.

The Taoiseach then presented the President with the gift of shamrock in a Waterford Crystal bowl, to symbolise the friendship and deep ties between Ireland and the United States.

The focus on Ireland continued as the Taoiseach was honoured at the Speaker's St Patrick's Day lunch on Capitol Hill, hosted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. This was also attended by President Obama and senior US senators and congressmen.

Later in the afternoon the Taoiseach and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mícheál Martin met with the Ireland America Economic Advisory Board.

The St Patrick's Day celebrations concluded with a reception hosted by the President and Mrs Obama at the White House in honour of the Taoiseach and Mrs. Cowen. This was the first reception of this kind for a foreign leader at the White House under the new Administration.