US President Joe Biden has praised Ireland for carrying the 'moral authority with nations around the world' in a wide-ranging speech.
Addressing both Houses of the Oireachtas, President Biden said the US will continue to support Ireland "every step of the way."
He became only the fourth US President to address a Joint Sitting on Thursday.
John F Kennedy made the first historic address in 1963, Ronald Reagan in 1984 and then Bill Clinton in 1995.
Among those in the chamber were politicians from Northern Ireland, the Ukrainian ambassador to Ireland, and widow of the late poet Seamus Heaney.
Opening his speech with a cúpla focal, President Biden said: "Tá mé seo abhaile - I'm at home".
President Biden praised Ireland for what he called "a future poised for unlimited, shared possibilities".
"Today I'd like to reflect on the enduring strength of the connections between Ireland and the United States - a partnership for the ages," he said.
US President Joe Biden (centre) arriving at Leinster House for a speech to the Joint Houses of the Oireachtas, along with Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl and Senator Jerry Buttimer. Picture by: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie"The Irish hearts that helped kindle the torch of liberty in my country, and fire its revolutionary spirit.
"The Irish blood from across this island that was willingly given for my country's independence.
"The Irish hands that laid the foundations for a new kind of future - one from the bottom up and the middle out.
"The journey's of our ancestors expanded our horizons and literally they excited our imaginations.
"They became the untiring backbone of America's progress as a nation, even as they endured discrimination and were denied opportunity".
A full Dáil chamber ahead of the address by US President Joe Biden. Picture by: Oireachtas screenshotMr Biden recalled campaigning for President in Colorado at a train station, and seeing old brass signs remarking: 'No Irish Allowed'.
"Like so many countries around the world, though perhaps more than most, the United States was shaped by Ireland," he said.
"That's not hyperbole, that's a fact.
"The values we share remain to this day, the core of our historic partnership between our people and our governments".
Ukraine
President Biden said Ireland supporting Ukraine is especially meaningful.
"We know what it means to fight for democracy today," he said.
"Ireland and the United States are standing together to oppose Russia's brutal aggression and support the brave people of Ukraine.
"[Russian President] Putin thought the world would look the other way, was confident he would break NATO and the European Union.
"That's what he thought, but he was wrong - he was wrong on every point and every front.
"Today we're more united and more determined than ever to defend the values that makes us strong".
President Biden said: "Ireland's support for Ukraine is especially meaningful because you carry the moral authority with nations around the world.
"Ireland's always been a voice for liberty, global cooperation and equality of all mankind.
"Ireland remembers the terrible cost of war".
'Anything is possible'
President Biden said nothing is beyond Ireland's reach.
"We believe anything is possible if we set our mind to it, and we do it together", he said.
"This is the United States of America and Ireland - there's nothing beyond our capacity if we do it together.
"We got to believe that, we got to know that, because that's the history of both our countries.
"Now is their time to meet every challenge together.
"As we celebrate the enduring partnership between our nations.... let's set our eyes squarely on the future.
"I've never been more optimistic about the future than I am today, and I'm at the end of my career not the beginning".
US President Joe Biden addresses the Joint Houses of the Oireachtas. Picture by: Oireachtas screenshotPresident Biden said the US will be Ireland's biggest supporter.
"Today Ireland's story is no ones to tell but its own, but the United States will be your closest partner, your most dependable partner and your most enthusiastic supporter every step of the way.
"I promise you - we've always been and we've been together, and we're going to continue to grow our enormous economic relationship as a foundation for both our nation's prosperity," he added.
