By Jayne McCormack
BBC News NI political correspondent
US President Joe Biden has hailed the return of power-sharing in Northern Ireland as a “positive step forward”.
He made the remarks as he held bilateral talks with Taoiseach (Irish PM) Leo Varadkar at the White House as part of St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Northern Ireland’s first and deputy first ministers are among politicians taking part in events in Washington DC.
President Biden said the US remained “committed to protecting peace and progress” in Northern Ireland.
“I was glad to see the Northern Ireland Executive back up and running and from my perspective, it’s a positive step forward,” he said.
Mr Varadkar said he was pleased to see the return of power-sharing since he and Mr Biden had met last autumn.
The institutions were restored last month after a two-year hiatus.
“It’s really good to see the promise of the Good Friday Agreement being fulfilled again, which is such a positive change since we last met,” he added.
The leaders also reaffirmed the close partnership between the US and Ireland.
Mr Biden said Ireland and the US shared a “deepening economic partnership” and friendship.
They also discussed support for Ukraine and other global issues, including the Israel-Gaza conflict.
