Statement by President Michael D. Higgins following a meeting with US Vice President Joe Biden
Date: Wed 22nd Jun, 2016 | 11:58
22 June 2016
President Michael D. Higgins was pleased to welcome US Vice President Joe Biden to Áras an Uachtaráin today.
The meeting was attended by Sabina Higgins, members of President Higgins’ and Vice President Biden’s staff, together with US Ambassador Kevin O’Malley and Irish Ambassador Anne Anderson.
The discussions included Irish, European and current global affairs.
Among the issues that were discussed were the central importance of human rights to the political perspectives of both the President and the Vice President. Specifically, President Higgins commended Vice President Biden’s work on the elimination of all forms of violence against women.
The two leaders further discussed the current issues facing the European Union and the current position in relation to the peace process in Northern Ireland. The present position of the discussion and advocacy in relation to the legislative process regarding out of status Irish in the United States was discussed.
In a wide-raging discussion, Vice President Biden and President Higgins also discussed present and future developments in South America.