Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar presented President Donald trump with the Shamrock Bowl on Thursday, an annual tradition between the countries coinciding with the observance of St. Patrick's Day.

During the ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Trump remarked on St. Patrick's use of the shamrock to teach the Holy Trinity 1,500 years ago.

"Now, many centuries later, the shamrock has become a symbol of something else as well: the long and beautiful relationship between the American and Irish peoples," he said. "That's a great story."

An Irish representative has been presenting the sitting U.S. president with shamrocks -- at first in a box, now in a crystal bowl -- each year since 1952. It's meant to be a symbol of the close relationship between the two countries as Americans celebrate Irish heritage on St. Patrick's Day.

"Our shared bonds are traced back generations, and all the way to our nation's founding. At least eight of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence were of Irish heritage. And throughout our history, the United States has been enriched by the vibrant culture and enduring contributions of the truly great Irish people, people that we love," Trump said.

More text from UPI: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2018/03/15/Irish-PM-Varadkar-presents-Trump-with-Shamrock-Bowl/4461521136453/