Trump says Ireland and US will 'work closely' as new embassy opens in Washington

Kenneth Fox

US President Donald Trump said he is looking forward to "working closely" with Ireland to strengthen its time-honoured relationship with the United States.

It comes as Tánaiste Simon Harris on Thursday formally opened the new offices of the Irish Embassy in the United States in Washington, DC.

The opening of the new Embassy next to the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue was welcomed by Trump, who said he is looking to advance fair trade policies and investment opportunities that benefit both of our nations’ citizens.

Speaking in DC, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade said: “I want to thank President Trump for his kind words as we begin to write the next chapter in the great story of Ireland-US relations.

“These offices on 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, next to the White House, represent the culmination of a nearly four-year project to realise a significant commitment of the Global Ireland Strategy and National Development Plan.

“This will be an excellent base from which to grow our vital political, economic, and cultural ties with the US over the years ahead.

“Our ambition stretches beyond Washington, DC too. The Government has deepened its investment in our diplomatic platform right across the US recently, with new Ireland Houses in New York, San Francisco, and Chicago, as well as new Consulates in Los Angeles and Miami.”

Mr Harris said he was launching an economic impact report which maps Ireland’s economic footprint right across the US and shows the remarkable impact of our partnership in terms of trade, employment, research, tourism, and investment.

Ireland is now the 5th largest source of foreign direct investment in America, and Irish companies have created more than 200,000 American jobs.