Remarks by the President and Amir of Qatar after Bilateral Meeting

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

4:28 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I just want to welcome the Amir of Qatar and thank him and the people of his country for the friendship they've shown toward the United States. There's an excellent relationship between the United States and Qatar on a whole range of levels -- with respect to security, with respect to our military cooperation, our commerce and our trade. 

Qatar has been a center of innovation. We've seen enormous progress within the country on everything ranging from education to health care. And I think His Highness has shown extraordinary leadership over the last many years in helping to guide this country. 

Obviously, Qatar is also an important country in the region, and has an influence that extends beyond its relatively small population. And so we had an opportunity to discuss a whole range of issues that directly relate to U.S. interests and U.S. security, but, more importantly, the security of the entire world.

We had a conversation about the situation in Syria. And obviously we've been cooperating closely with Qatar and other countries in seeking to bring about an end to the slaughter that's taking place there; the removal of President Assad, who has shown himself to have no regard for his own people; and to strengthen an opposition that can bring about a democratic Syria that represents all people and respects their rights regardless of their ethnicity or their religious affiliations. And I'm very pleased that we are going to be continuing to work in coming months to try to further support the Syrian opposition, and we'll be closely coordinating our strategies to bring about a more peaceful resolution to the Syrian crisis.

We also had an opportunity to discuss the situation in Egypt, where we both very much want to see success on the part of Egyptian democracy.  And both of our countries are committed to trying to encourage not only progress in this new democracy, but also economic progress that can translate into actual prosperity for the people there.

We had an opportunity to discuss the situation with respect to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and we both agree that peace is in the interest of everyone -- a secure Israel side-by-side with a sovereign Palestinian state.  And we exchanged ideas about how we can advance those negotiations, and I've shared the importance of providing support to President Abbas and the Palestinian Authority so that they can be in position to have fruitful negotiations with the Israelis that can bring about, in a timely fashion, a two-state solution.

And I had an opportunity to thank the Amir for the strong support that his country has provided to our efforts in Afghanistan, including the efforts that he has personally been involved with in getting a dialogue between the Afghan government and the Taliban that might potentially result in some sort of political reconciliation. 

These are all very difficult issues and neither of us are under any illusions that they will be solved overnight.  But what we agree with is that if our two countries are communicating frankly and constructively, and pursuing common strategies, that we can be a force for good for the entire region and for a vision of a Middle East that is democratic, that is prosperous, that is tolerant, that is representative of all peoples, and that is a force for good around the world.

And so I want to thank the Amir for this visit and for his friendship.  And I look forward to working with him and the government of Qatar for many years to come. 

AMIR HAMAD:  (As interpreted.)  I was delighted to have this very positive meeting with the President today.  We discussed several issues of mutual concern to both our countries, especially the situation in Syria.  We also addressed issues concerning our mutual military relationship, which is good, as you know, and also exchanges in education.  As you know, there are several universities, American universities that opened branches in Qatar. 

We also discussed our economic relationship.  There are joint oil and gas projects between the two countries.  We also talked about the serious changes that are affecting the Middle East, especially countries like Egypt, which we consider to be a very important country, and also important for peace with Israel.

And for Qatar, it’s very important for us to see peace between Israel and the Palestinians, and to see also a good relationship between Arab countries and Israel once a Palestinian-Israeli peace agreement is reached.

AMIR HAMAD:  Actually, she meant by gas and oil that we will talk with the President, but we have a relation between us and America to be with American companies like ExxonMobil -- enjoy working with us in the sector of the hydrocarbon.

The other thing is the Syrian issue.  As you know -- (speaks in Arabic and then is interpreted.)  We also discussed the Syrian issue.  What’s happening in Syria is a major, horrific tragedy in the region and the world.  And we hope to find a solution for the bloodshed in Syria and for this current government to leave power to give room to others to take over.  And we hope that any party that succeeds the current regime would be supportive of democracy and the political process.We in Qatar support the peace process and finding a political peace, and Qatar supports that. 

And we once again would like to thank the President.

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Thank you, everybody.

END                          4:38 P.M. EDT

President Obama honored Jeff Charbonneau, a science, physics and engineering teacher at Zillah High School in Washington, as the 2013 National Teacher of the Year.

National Park Week celebrates and gives back to our country’s great natural and cultural landscapes.

100 students from more than 40 states were at the White House for an all-day, hands-on celebration of the power and potential of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.

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Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister Kenny of Ireland Before a Bilateral Meeting

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

Oval Office

10:41 A.M. EDT

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Well, it is a great pleasure to welcome back Taoiseach Kenny to the Oval Office, to the White House and his entire delegation.  Obviously, we cherish this opportunity once a year to reaffirm the incredible bond between the United States and Ireland.  This year, it also gives us an excuse to stretch out St. Patrick’s Day for a couple of extra days, which is always good.

This is now my fifth time to welcome the Taoiseach to the Oval Office.  I’ve had the occasion to visit Ireland as well -- one of the truly wonderful trips that I’ve taken as President of the United States.  And the reason that these meetings go so well is because of the incredible bond and history between our two countries.

Obviously, the contributions of Irish Americans to the United States is legendary.  But what is also true is that we have an incredibly strong partnership on economic issues, on security issues.  The Taoiseach has shown great leadership during difficult times in Ireland.  And we’re seeing progress in the Irish economy.  That’s good for the U.S. economy because we have a lot of trade, a lot of investment in Ireland. 

There was a story this morning about a deal between Ryanair and Boeing in which we’ll be selling a whole lot of airplanes to Ireland.  And it’s an example of how the progress that’s made in Ireland benefits jobs and businesses here in the United States.  Obviously, the Taoiseach is very interested, as well as in continuing to attract direct investment from the United States to Ireland.  So this will be a major topic of discussion.

Ireland also punches above its weight internationally when it comes to humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping.  Irish troops are in many very difficult places in the world and provide the kinds of stabilization and humanitarian efforts that make all the difference and save lives.

And so I am very much looking forward to having a good conversation.  I’m sure we will also touch on the issue of Northern Ireland in which we have continued to see progress coming out of the Good Friday agreements, but we also have to recognize that there’s a lot more work to be done before there’s true unity of effort in that country.  And I know that both in discussions with the Taoiseach as well as in talking to the ministers who are here from Northern Ireland, we’ll have an opportunity to find out how the United States can be helpful in that overall effort as well.

So, again, Taoiseach, I want to welcome you.  Thank you for giving me an excuse to break out my green tie.  (Laughter.)  And I'm sure that we'll have a wonderful lunch up on Capitol Hill and once again be able to reaffirm the incredible friendship between our peoples. 

PRIME MINISTER KENNY:  Thank you, Mr. President.  Could I to say that it’s a particular privilege to be able to come here to the White House to visit President Obama to continue this wonderful tradition that the American government over the years has shown to Ireland because of the particular and unique relationship between our countries covering many centuries.

I come here both as Taoiseach, but also as the presidency of the European Union.  I suppose I should say this because I’ll never get the chance again, it’s great to be on presidential terms here.  (Laughter.)  The President of the United States, an Irishman, and the President of Europe, an Irishman, meeting in the Oval Office.  (Laughter.) 

But I would like to say seriously, it’s an opportunity for me to brief the President on the progress being made in challenging times for the Irish government, following a very clear and strategic plan.  It's also an opportunity to brief the President on issues of the European Union and the progress being made by the European Council, with particular reference to the EU-U.S. trade -- participation and free trade, to which the President referred in his State of the Union address.  I’d like to follow that through with him.  Also, to brief the President on opportunities in respect of Northern Ireland, immigration -- undocumented Irish -- and, of course, the general perspectives both for the world economy.  And as the President is moving to the Middle East this evening, I can give him an update on the recent meeting and discussion that the European Council held there.

Besides, it’s a real opportunity to celebrate St. Patrick's Week.  I have a second tie for the President, if he so wishes.  And, of course, there is a standing open invitation to President Obama to come back to Ireland whenever is convenient and appropriate and when he so wishes.  And maybe the next time, when our economies are moving in a more positive direction, we might actually have time to take out the sticks on the golf course.  I’m looking forward to that sometime in the future.

So to First Lady Michelle, the children, Malia and Sasha, we wish the President continued success and good fortune in the very onerous responsibilities that he lay up on his shoulders as the leader of the free world.  And it's a pleasure and a privilege to be in the Oval Office.  

END 
10:46 A.M. EDT

The first stop on President Obama's trip to the Middle East marks the first time the President has visited Israel since taking office, and comes as its citizens celebrate the 65th anniversary of a free and independent State of Israel.

On the third anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, Secretary Kathleen Sebelius lays out some of the ways in which the health reform has lowered costs.

We will be posting regular updates from the road and livestreaming several of the President's events on whitehouse.gov/live

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Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister Abe of Japan After Bilateral Meeting

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For Immediate Release February 22, 2013 Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister Abe of Japan After Bilateral Meeting Oval Office

1:30 P.M. EST
 
PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Well, I want to extend a warm welcome to Prime Minister Abe and congratulate him on his victory and his leadership of Japan.
 
Obviously, Japan is one of our closest allies, and the U.S.-Japan alliance is the central foundation for our regional security and so much of what we do in the Pacific region.  And that friendship extends not just between our governments but also between our peoples.
 
Prime Minister Abe himself is no stranger to the United States.  I think he and I studied in California around the same time, and this is not his first visit to the Oval Office.  So we’re looking forward to building a very strong working relationship on a whole range of issues.
 
We had close consultations on a wide range of security issues, in particular our concerns about the provocative actions that have been taken in North Korea and our determination to take strong actions in response. 
 
We also discussed a wide range of multilateral issues, and I expressed my appreciation for the support Japan has provided to our efforts in Afghanistan, our efforts to resolve the nuclear issue in Iran, and we expressed mutual condolences around the loss of life at the BP plant in Algeria and pledged that this would spur greater counterterrorism cooperation.
 
After this brief session with the press, we’ll have an opportunity to extend these discussions over lunch, and we’ll have a chance to talk about the close economic cooperation between our two countries. 
 
And I know that Prime Minister Abe and I both agree that our number-one priority has to be making sure that we are increasing growth and making sure that people have the opportunity to prosper if they're willing to work hard in both our countries.  And so we’ll be talking about a host of issues that -- and steps that we can take in our respective countries to encourage the kind of trade, expanded commerce, and robust growth that will lead to greater opportunity for both the United States and Japan.
 
Mr. Prime Minister, welcome.  And please extend our warmest wishes to the people of Japan, and you can rest assured that you will have a strong partner in the United States throughout your tenure as Prime Minister.
 
PRIME MINISTER ABE:  (As interpreted.)  Mr. President, you already gave a very detailed briefing of the content of our briefing so there’s nothing for me to add, but I would like to make some additional remarks.
 
First of all, I would like to thank President Obama for creating this opportunity to have a summit meeting between Japan and the United States at a very busy time when his second term is beginning.
 
I think today’s -- one big theme in our meeting today was for us to discuss in which direction we would be strengthening the alliance between Japan and the United States.  And we touched upon many issues that we have to deal with in that regard.
 
And as a result of our discussion, we were able to share our understanding on not just concrete policy but on the direction to which our alliance is headed.  I think I can declare with confidence that the trust and the bond in our alliance is back.
 
And when we look at the security environment in the Asia Pacific, it’s becoming more and more difficult.  And we need to create an order in this region based on cooperation between our two countries to secure the freedom of the seas and to secure a region which is governed based on laws, not on force.

And we just cannot tolerate the actions of North Korea, such as launching missiles and conducting nuclear tests.  So we agreed that we would cooperate with each other in dealing resolutely with North Korea.  And I also explained to Mr. President the abduction issue by North Korea, and the President understood my explanation and expressed his support.
 
We intend to continue to strengthen our alliance, and by doing so, secure our national interest and make this world a better place.
 
PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Go ahead.
 
Q    Thank you, Mr. President.  We’re one week from the sequester deadline.  I’m wondering, at this point, if you think those cuts going into effect are inevitable, and what you’re telling the Prime Minister and other world leaders about the impact that that would have on the global economy.
 
PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Well, I never think that anything is inevitable.  We always have the opportunity to make the right decisions.  And I’ve been very clear that these kinds of arbitrary, automatic cuts would have an adverse impact on families, on teachers, on parents who are reliant on Head Start programs, on our military readiness, on mental health services, on medical research.  This is not a smart way for us to reduce the deficit.
 
I’ve also been very clear that there’s an alternative, which is for us to take the kind of balanced approach that I’ve presented, where we have more strategic cuts on programs we don’t need and we close some tax loopholes that are taken advantage of only by the well-connected and the well-off.  By the way, that’s what the majority of the American people prefer.
 
So I will continue to have conversations with members of Congress, both while they’re gone and when they get back next week.  My hope is, is that we can see a different course taken by Congress.  This should be a no-brainer.  And let me just point out that the overall impact of the economy will be to slow down the recovery.  And not only may there end up being direct job loss, but because the economy is softer, it also means that we’re not going to be driving down unemployment as quickly as we should.
 
So with respect to world leaders, I think that unlike issues like the debt ceiling, the sequester going into effect will not threaten the world financial system.  It's not like the equivalent of the U.S. defaulting on its obligations.  What it does mean, though, is that if the U.S. is growing slower, then other countries grow slower because we continue to be a central engine in world economic growth.  So I don't think anybody would like to see this outcome.
 
And particularly when we're poised to grow rapidly as housing comes back and we're starting to see real signs of the recovery taking root, it's the wrong prescription.  But, ultimately, I don't need to persuade world leaders of that.  They know that.  I've got to persuade members of Congress, and that can be harder sometimes.
 
Q    Even if you think a deal -- or even if you think averting the cuts is not inevitable, do you see any realistic sign of being able to reach a deal over the next week?
 
PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Hope springs eternal.  And I will just keep on making my case not only to Congress, but more importantly the American people to take a smart approach to deficit reduction and do it in a way that doesn’t endanger our economy and endanger jobs. 
 
I just realized I didn't have a translation of that.  It was sort of a domestic question.  My suggestion would be why don't we just go ahead and direct the next question to Prime Minister Abe.  That one will be translated. 
 
Q    Mr. Prime Minister, I would like to ask what you discussed with President Obama about actions by North Korea, such as the launching of missiles and a nuclear test.  And also, the provocative actions that China is taking vis-à-vis the Senkaku Islands.  And also, on what actions and measures you have discussed to strengthen the alliance between Japan and the United States at a time when the security environment in the region is deteriorating.  What kind of concrete measures did you discuss with the President to strengthen our alliance?
 
PRIME MINISTER ABE:  (As interpreted.)  On North Korea, an important thing we discussed, we agreed that it was important for Japan and the United States to not provide awards to North Korea for their actions such as launching missiles and conducting nuclear tests -- that's number one. 
 
And, number two, we agreed that we would cooperate so that a resolution, including sanctions, would be adopted in the U.N.  We also discussed additional sanctions, for example, financial sanctions, and we agreed to continue cooperating in that regard as well. 
 
And then, we also talked about the importance of cooperating with other countries, especially Japan, the U.S. and Korea in dealing with the issue of North Korea.
 
Concerning the South China Sea and the Senkaku Islands, we agree that the very existence of the Japan-U.S. alliance is a stabilizing factor, which contributes to peace and stability of the region.  We agreed that we would stay in close coordination with each other in dealing with such issues and other issues, and a wide range of issues that we are faced with in this region.  So we will continue to coordinate in dealing with such issues based on the Japan-U.S. alliance.
 
And I also explained that we have always been dealing with this issue, the Senkaku issue, in a calm manner.  We will continue to do so and we have always done so. 
 
PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Thank you, everybody.
 
END
1:50 P.M. EST

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Remarks by President Obama and President Napolitano Before Bilateral Meeting

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

Oval Office

10:10 A.M. EST

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Well, I want to extend the warmest greetings to my good friend, President Napolitano, on a return visit to the White House.  I think it’s entirely appropriate the day after Valentine’s Day, since we know that St. Valentine was associated with Italy, that we had a chance to express our love for the Italian people and my high regard for President Napolitano.

He has been an extraordinary leader not just in Italy but also in Europe.  We’ve had occasion to meet many times in which we have expressed again and again the importance of the transatlantic relationship, and the deep and abiding friendship and connection and bond between the Italian people and the American people.

And obviously, we have constantly talked about the extraordinary connection that derives from the tradition of Italian-Americans making enormous contributions to the United States.  President Napolitano has been so gracious in talking about his memories of the role that America played in liberating Europe and instituting the kinds of democratic practices and traditions that have served both sides of the Atlantic so well for so many years.

I want to thank the people of Italy for their enormous contributions to the NATO Alliance.  Italy is one of our biggest contributors in Afghanistan, and makes enormous sacrifices.  They welcome and host our troops on Italian soil.  The economic bonds between our two countries are very significant.  And in all this, President Napolitano has shown himself to be a visionary leader who has helped to guide and steer Europe towards greater unification, but always with a strong transatlantic relationship in mind.

The last point I would make is that President Napolitano has also just been a good personal friend, a tremendous host to my family when they visited Italy.  You should know, Mr. President, that one of the few things that my daughters asked me after I was reelected was, does this mean we can go back to Italy again?  (Laughter.)  So I confirmed to them that any excuse we can find to visit Italy, we shall return hopefully. 

And this will give us an opportunity to not only visit but also to talk about some important issues, including the world economy.  I announced at the State of the Union this week my interest and intention in pursuing a U.S.-European Union free trade agreement, which I know is something of great interest to the President.  I’ll be interested in hearing from him how he anticipates the elections and government formation in Italy and what implications that has for the larger European project.  And I’m sure we’ll have a chance to talk about some national security issues as well. 

But my main message is to say thank you for your extraordinary service, and I’m so glad that we had an opportunity to visit once again before you move onto even better things -- I assume they’re at least having more fun than politics.

PRESIDENT NAPOLITANO:  Thank you very much.  I don’t need to say how deeply touched I am by the generous appreciation we just had of my long public service in the interest of Italy, of our alliance, of our common goals.  And I am grateful to President Obama for inviting me to pay a farewell visit at the White House, and for giving me the opportunity of an exchange of ideas before I complete my presidential mandate.

I am sure that we will be able today to express a common sense of confidence in the future of Italy and of U.S.-Italy relations; more generally speaking, in the future of our joint commitment to advance global peace, democracy, and human rights.

Italy has made remarkable progress in the past 14 months -- the Italian government, with parliamentary support of different and even opposite political forces, and with the comprehension of different social groups and of all citizens.  While this progress must and will continue and be developed because Italy needs it, Europe needs it, and I think the world as a whole needs it.  

The announcement which has been made -- just made in Brussels and in Washington was significant because I was impressed by the words we, the leaders of the European Union and of the United States towards a beautiful incipit.  And as well, I think that trade -- the transatlantic trade and investment partnership, which will be realized -- now we are the opening talks -- but I am sure about also the conclusion can represent a relevant contribution for promoting a new wave of development of technologic advancement of social justice on both shores of the Atlantic.  And I think it can represent even something more.  It is to say a new historic stage in relations between Europe and the United States -- not only economically, but also from a political and moral point of view. 

My conviction is that the effect that a shift has been taking place in the center of gravity of the world development of international relations doesn’t cancel at all the crucial importance of transatlantic alliance, of transatlantic relations.  On the contrary -- it represents a new stimulus for us to make such a framework of relation more active, more competitive.  It is absolutely necessary for a better world to have our common heritage of values and experiences be a decisive factor also in the course of globalization in the next future.

It is the spirit in which I adhere to testify once more my personal friendship and my admiration for President Obama, only deploring that the visit of the President and his family in Rome was so short, and expecting a new visit also in my new capacity.  I be in another palace, but I be there to welcome you.

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  That’s great.  Thank you. 

END               
10:18 A.M. EST

The two leaders discussed the world economy and President Obama's plan to pursue a U.S.-European Union free trade agreement, which was mentioned in his State of the Union address earlier this week.

Here’s a quick glimpse at what happened this week on WhiteHouse.gov.

Cecilia Muñoz, Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, answers questions from the public about immigration reform and President Obama's State of the Union Address in an “Open for Questions” session moderated by Elianne Ramos from LATISM.

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