Joe Biden says the hearts and souls of the Irish and American people unites them.
The US Vice President has discussed a range of topics with President Michael D Higgins during a half hour meeting.
Mr Biden is now continuing his Irish visit in Mayo this afternoon where he's tracing his heritage.
Joe Biden heard that the State reception room in the Aras was where ambassadors present their credentials.
He noted he didn't have any credentials, before adding that Anne Anderson, Ireland's Ambassador to the US is the best ambassador in the world and he thinks she likes him.
He signed the visitors book, telling President Higgins that his grandfather Finnegan would be proud.
The Vice President wrote
As President Kennedy said when he made his visit to Ireland in 1963
Our two nations divided by distance have been united by our people
I would add we are united by the hearts and souls of our people
He then held a 30 minute meeting with President Higgins where a wide range of issues, including northern ireland were discussed.
