Fight against inflation and financial stability

US President Joe Biden noted Ireland’s contribution to aid to Ukraine and the Ukrainians this country has accepted on its territory, as well as Ireland’s contribution to the global fight against hunger.

In his speech to the country’s parliament, Biden noted that Ireland has allocated more than €170 million in non-lethal aid to Ukraine, including medical equipment, humanitarian support and aid to minimize the impact of the war.

Biden said he was impressed by the level of cooperation the United States and Ireland had at the United Nations and at the European Union level.

As a member of the European Union, Ireland has worked with the United States and other partners to hold Russia accountable for its actions, including with significant sanctions and export restrictions, Biden said.

“I have known Putin for more than 25 years. He thought that the world would turn the other way, he was sure that he would separate NATO and the European Union. The unity of the Western nations will break. He was wrong. Today, we are more united to protect our values,” Biden emphasized.

Biden particularly noted that Ireland, which experienced a devastating famine in its history, provides aid to countries suffering from hunger, suffering from a lack of food and facing the problem of child malnutrition.

“Today, you are also a world leader in food safety. Ireland has allocated 20% of your budget to help fight global hunger. And at a time when people around the world are struggling with the economic consequences of the pandemic, Russia’s war in Ukraine, Ireland is increasing its aid budget and expanding its commitment to help vulnerable people, especially partner countries across Africa,” Biden said.

Earlier on Thursday, President Biden met with the leadership of Ireland, where he spoke, among other things, about the US partnership with the country where the American president’s ancestors come from, about the shared values ​​between the two peoples, and about future opportunities.

During a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, Biden said that Ireland is showing leadership in the world by helping Ukraine and Ukrainians.

“The way you accepted – and I know it’s not easy – welcomed the Ukrainians here, that’s the leadership you’ve shown,” Biden said at the meeting with the head of the Irish government.

Ireland took in almost 80,000 refugees from Ukraine after the Russian invasion, and it supports the efforts of the US-led international coalition in support of Ukraine.

Leo Varadkar emphasized that he never thought that such a war was possible in Europe. He emphasized the leadership of the USA in the fact that the authoritarian regime in Russia was repelled in Ukraine.

“Democracy, freedom, and everything we believe in is receding in many parts of the world. If it weren’t for American leadership and if it weren’t for the cooperation of America and Europe, I don’t know what kind of world we would live in,” said the Irish Prime Minister.

Biden arrived in the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday after visiting Northern Ireland.

According to the Irish Family History Center, Biden is one of the most “Irish” US presidents. Ten of his 16 great-great-grandfathers were from Ireland.