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US President Joe Biden has hailed the return of power-sharing in Northern Ireland as a “positive step forward”.<\/p>\n
He made the remarks as he held bilateral talks with Taoiseach (Irish PM) Leo Varadkar at the White House as part of St Patrick’s Day celebrations.<\/p>\n
Northern Ireland’s first and deputy first ministers are among politicians taking part in events in Washington DC.<\/p>\n
President Biden said the US remained “committed to protecting peace and progress” in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
“I was glad to see the Northern Ireland Executive back up and running and from my perspective, it’s a positive step forward,” he said.<\/p>\n
Mr Varadkar said he was pleased to see the return of power-sharing since he and Mr Biden had met last autumn.<\/p>\n
They also discussed support for Ukraine and other global issues, including the Israel-Gaza conflict.<\/p>\n
President Biden said “a whole lot more has to be done in Gaza”, and Mr Varadkar said Ireland wanted to see an immediate humanitarian ceasefire being called.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n