The Taoiseach has been formally invited to the White House for the annual St Patrick’s Day bilateral meeting.

US President Donald Trump has written to Micheal Martin, inviting him for a meeting in the Oval Office on March 12th.

In his letter to the Taoiseach, Donald Trump congratulated Micheal Martin on his recent appointment. He added that he looks forward to the United States and Ireland working together.

A spokesperson for the Taoiseach says Micheal Martin is ‘pleased to have received the invitation’ and is ‘delighted to accept it’. The Embassy in Washington will continue to engage with the White House team on the finer details.

The annual event has been a tradition for decades, and is seen as a beneficial move for Ireland each year where several topics from economics to international relations are discussed.

Separately, Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s heading to the White House today to sign a critical deal on rare earth minerals.

The Ukrainian President’s set out the framework to allow the US access to its supplies, which Donald Trump’s calling a “repayment” for millions of dollars sent in military aid.

He’s also expected to push for US security guarantees if a ceasefire is agreed – to protect against further Russian aggression.

British Prime Minister Kier Starmer meanwhile also visited the White House this week, where he discussed a peace deal for Ukraine with the US President that he says is ‘tough’ and ‘fair’.

He says both countries are focused on ‘bringing an enduring end’ to the war in Ukraine.

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