The US President Mr George Bush has expressed his support for Ireland's continued economic success and is expected to visit Ireland in the near future, the Taoiseach said tonight.
Mr Ahern said he was "pleasantly surprised" at the level of Mr Bush's interest in the North, despite fears that Irish affairs would be pushed down the Bush Administration's agenda.
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President Bush pledges support for Northern peace process
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"He made it very clear that if I need his assistance he is on the other end of the phone", said Mr Ahern. "I think we'll see him in Ireland during his first term of office."
"It was clear to me that he had been briefed on Northern Ireland. He did understand the issues. And he did understand the sensitivities. And today he has made it very clear to us that he's prepared to work with us, and with the parties, on the outstanding issues," Mr Ahern said.
Speaking at the White House after meeting the Taoiseach, President Bush said his administration was ready and willing to become involved in Northern Ireland.
"I assure him and continue to do so that the US stands ready to help in any way that those involved need," he said.
He praised the contribution of the Government to the peace process and especially that of Mr Ahern.
"The peace process that holds today is in no small measure a tribute to the Prime Minister and courageous leadership."
Government and Northern Ireland politicians talked up the Bush Administration's interest in Ireland after two days of intensive US engagement with them. The new administration is expected to be less involved on a day-to-day basis than that of Mr Bush's predecessor, Mr Bill Clinton.
President Bush had short conversations with each of the North's main parties as well as his hour-long discussion with the Taoiseach. These included talks with the DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, a first-time guest at the White House.
Mr Bush spent between two and five minutes with leaders of the UUP SDLP, Sinn Féin, the DUP, Alliance, the PUP and the Women's Coalition.
The Secretary of State Colin Powell, whose State Department will handle issues relating to Ireland on a day to day basis, also held a round of detailed meetings with the Taoiseach and the Northern leaders.
Mr Ahern said he had asked President Bush to prioritise the proposed visit to Ireland of the US Trade Secretary Mr Don Evans, and that this will happen later this year.
"The administration are clearly stating", Mr Ahern said, "that they believe the Irish economy should be looked at as an example elsewhere; that the policies we are pursuing are good models that should be looked at; that it's a good place for American capital to go; that our regulatory system is world class; and that it's a good place for the administration to be giving the nudge for foreign direct investment to go. That's as good as signal as you can get."
He said the Government was keen that US encouragement of investment in Ireland be aimed at both sides of the border. "We are prepared through the North-South bodies to ensure investment coming into the island of Ireland works to the benefit of the whole island", he said.