BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND (AP) – United States (US) President Joe Biden was in Northern Ireland yesterday to participate in marking the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement that brought peace to this part of the United Kingdom (UK) after the US helped negotiate an end to decades of sectarian violence that killed thousands.
On his first presidential visit to Northern Ireland, Biden was set to deliver congratulations and encourage its leaders to work on universally beneficial trade and economic policies when he speaks at a business development event at Ulster University’s new campus in Belfast. But Biden was not expected to make any major attempt to help resolve a new political crisis that has rattled the Good Friday peace deal and put Northern Ireland’s government on pause.
Instead, the Democratic President will deliver at least two messages, said White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, who is travelling with Biden.
“Congratulations on 25 years of the Good Friday Agreement, which has brought unprecedented peace and prosperity,” Kirby said. Biden opened his brief public schedule in Northern Ireland yesterday over coffee with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Before speaking at Ulster University, he will meet with each of the leaders of Northern Ireland’s five main political parties.
