President Biden lands in Belfast in historic trip as he vows to 'keep the peace'

11 April 2023 , 20:23

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President Biden lands in Belfast in historic trip as he vows to 'keep the peace'

Joe Biden has touched down at a military base in Northern Ireland as he begins a four-day visit to the island of Ireland.

The US president invoked the importance of the Good Friday Agreement and the recently negotiated Windsor Framework as he prepared to set off for Northern Ireland.

Mr Biden touched down in County Antrim in Air Force One at around 9.20pm on Tuesday as he begins a visit marking the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

He will also travel to the Republic of Ireland, where he will carry out a number of engagements during his four-day stay, including visiting Co Louth and Co Mayo – from where his ancestors hail.

Biden was greeted by Rishi Sunak at the steps of Air Force One

Mr Biden, speaking to reporters before his departure, said that his top priority was to “make sure the Irish accords and the Windsor Agreement stay in place, keep the peace”.

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“That’s the main thing,” he said. As he arrived on the tarmac, he was also joined by son Hunter and sister Valerie.

caption: US President Joe Biden arrives in Northern Ireland

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been seen at the foot of the Air Force One stairs ready to greet the US president before the pair shared a friendly handshake and quick chat.

The two leaders will also hold a meeting on Wednesday before Mr Biden gives an address at Ulster University’s new £350 million Belfast campus.

US President Joe Biden boarding Air Force One on his way to Northern Ireland (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Mr Sunak will not attend Mr Biden’s keynote speech, with Downing Street on Tuesday denying that the engagement between the pair would be “low-key”.

It's believed around 1,000 personnel has travelled with the president, including security staff.

Joe Biden and Rishi Sunak left the airport in separate cars shortly after the US president arrived in Northern Ireland on Air Force One.

Mr Biden left the runway with a large motorcade.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris and the King’s personal representative for County Antrim, Lord-Lieutenant David McCorkell, were also among the welcoming party.

Hannah Kane