US President Joe Biden has hailed his good relationship with outgoing Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and recognised his years of service in a phone call earlier today.
The pair met in person earlier this month for St Patrick’s Day events in the US.
Mr Varadkar announced he is stepping down as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader last week.
Speaking at a White House press briefing Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said: “President Biden today called Taoiseach Leo Varadkar of Ireland to recognise his years of service as a leader of Ireland and of the good relationship they have developed.
“Having recently celebrated St Patrick’s Day at the White House the leaders reflected on their co-operation over the years on shared priorities particularly deepening US-Ireland ties between our people and our economies.
“They noted recent progress in Northern Ireland with the restoration of its executive and assembly, reaffirming the critical role these institutions play in preserving the gains of the Belfast-Good Friday Agreement.
“The president conveyed that he looks forward to continuing to build a vibrant future for US-Irish relations with a new Taoiseach once elected by Irish parliament.”
Mr Harris was due to meet Mr Varadkar to discuss his transition plans today.
