Tánaiste Simon Harris said he had “a warm and constructive discussion on a variety of key issues” with governor of California Gavin Newsom on Tuesday.
Mr Harris is on an official visit to California, meeting business leaders and politicians.
The Minister for Finance said he was “very pleased” to meet Mr Newsom and “reflect on the close and long-standing relationship that has been forged between Ireland and California over many years”.
Mr Newsom, a vocal critic of US president Donald Trump, is considered to be a 2028 presidential hopeful for the Democrats.
“The relationship between Ireland and California is one of real depth and mutual respect, characterised by two-way investment, job creation and close collaboration across technology, life sciences and financial services,” Mr Harris said in a statement after the meeting in Sacramento.
“Governor Newsom and I took the opportunity to discuss the powerful people-to-people links that underpin this unique partnership.”
Noting that more than 2.3 million Californians claim Irish ancestry, including a significant Irish community in San Francisco, Mr Harris said these personal connections “continue to strengthen our economic and cultural ties”.
The Tánaiste is meeting senior business and industry leaders from tech, healthcare and pharma sectors during his ongoing visit.
He and Mr Newsom also discussed “the huge opportunities Ireland offers California as a gateway to Europe”, a statement noted.
Mr Harris said his visit represents an opportunity to “consider how we can continue to strengthen our co-operation in the years to come”.