The Tánaiste Micheál Martin is in the United States for a two-city visit to Washington DC and Chicago.
Mr Martin landed in the US yesterday afternoon for the four-day visit to celebrate 100 years of diplomatic relations with the United States this year.
He will visit Washington DC today and Wednesday, where he'll meet with several members of the United States Congress - including the Congressional Friends of Ireland - and with members of President Joe Biden's administration.
The Tánaiste will use the opportunity to discuss Ireland's bilateral relationship with the US, as well as a number of global challenges.
Mr Martin will also deliver an address at the Atlantic Council and will have meetings with US business representatives with operations in Ireland.
Chicago
He will travel to Chicago on Wednesday and Thursday, where he will meet with the Governor of Illinois and the Mayor of Chicago.
The Tánaiste will also have several meetings with members of the local Irish community.
During an address at the City Club of Chicago, he will announce plans to open a new 'Ireland House' in Chicago later this year, as part of the Government's Global Ireland initiative.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Martin said it comes at a timely point.
"My meetings and engagements in Washington DC provide an opportunity to outline Ireland’s policy objectives and discuss a range of global issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East," he said.
"Following the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive last week, I will update our friends in the United States Congress and President Biden's administration on these developments and the challenges that remain, and discuss the role the United States can continue to play in ensuring peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland.
"In Chicago, I am looking forward to meeting with the Governor of Illinois and the Mayor of Chicago, and to meeting with our key Irish community and business contacts in the region," he added.
Ireland and the United States have maintained diplomatic ties since 1924.
