Taoiseach Micheál Martin is on the second day of his visit to the United States, as part of St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Mr Martin will spend the day in Philadelphia before travelling to Washington DC later this evening.
This morning, he is due to lay a wreath at the statue of John Barry, the man known as the ‘father of the US Navy’.
A private tour of Independence Hall and the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed has been arranged for him, as the country celebrates 250 years since the document was signed.
Tens of thousands of people are also expected to attend the annual St Patrick’s Day parade in Philadelphia, which kicks off at 11am local time.
Mr Martin is due to march in the parade which has thousands of participants.
The Taoiseach will then travel to Washington DC, where he will stay for the remainder of his visit.
He is set to attend a reception at the Irish ambassador’s residence tonight ahead of high-level political and business meetings that begin tomorrow.
The Taoiseach laid a wreath at the Irish Memorial in Philadelphia yesterday
An Oval Office meeting between the Taoiseach and US President has been organised for Tuesday along with the traditional shamrock ceremony.
Ahead of the meeting, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon said that the Taoiseach is “very well able to hold his own”, as he did last year, when he meets Donald Trump on Tuesday.
“It’s always best to promote what it is you think your person that you’re talking with is interested in,” the Democratic representative for Pennsylvania’s 5th District said.
“The President is obviously very interested in economic interests around the world, and I’m quite sure the Taoiseach is prepared to address that,” the representative told reporters at Villanova University following Mr Martin’s speech last night.
The Taoiseach has so far stressed the importance of the relationship between Ireland and the US and has highlighted trade and investment between the two nations.
Ireland is now the fifth largest source of foreign direct investment in the US.
“I know that there are challenges but let me assure you our commitment to the United States is steadfast,” he said.
“As a small open economy, our position is to support open, rules-based trade, and to keep the transatlantic partnership steady – because it underpins critical jobs and investment on both sides of the Atlantic.”
He had a similar message for guests at the annual Friendly Sons and Daughters of St Patrick’s Gala last night.
“The US is Ireland’s largest trading and investment partner. The economic benefits flow both ways, creating prosperity and jobs for large numbers of people on both sides of the Atlantic,” he said.
Tánaiste Simon Harris speaking during a St Patrick’s Day political reception at the Embassy of Ireland in Paris
Tánaiste travels to London for St Patrick’s Day programme
Meanwhile, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris will travel to London as part of his St Patrick’s Day programme.
It follows the Tánaiste’s visit to Paris earlier this week, where he met the French finance minister.
In London, Mr Harris will meet UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy.
He will take part in the city’s St Patrick’s Day parade later and meet Irish community leaders.
Mr Harris will also address business executives at a British Irish Chamber of Commerce event tomorrow.
The Tánaiste will then hold bilateral meetings with Ms Reeves and Mr Lammy.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Harris said he welcomed the opportunity.
“Across Britain, hundreds of thousands of people claim Irish heritage. Our families, culture and economies are deeply intertwined,” he said.
“The St Patrick’s Day festival provides an opportunity to connect and celebrate a shared heritage,” he added.
Mr Harris said he was also looking forward to meeting UK companies to “discuss our strong economic ties and our shared challenges and opportunities”.
“In the context of our unique relationship with the UK, and at this time of global uncertainty, it is essential that we continue to foster close relationships with our nearest neighbour,” he added.