Category: Feb-2014

The United States and France have a long history of cultural exchange, dating back to the connections forged by Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson as two of the United States’ earliest envoys to Paris.  Our exchange programs strengthen academic partnerships, promote the value of community service, and spark entrepreneurship and innovation.  We put special emphasis…

The United States and France have long collaborated on science and technology, which enhances the well-being of our citizens, promotes commercial innovation and economic growth, and advances the human condition not just for our citizens, but for people across the globe.  In 2008, the United States and France signed agreements on science and technology, including…

Today the United States announced a National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking.  The Strategy will strengthen U.S. leadership on addressing the serious and urgent conservation and global security threat posed by illegal trade in wildlife. In addition to the strategy, we are also announcing a ban on commercial trade of elephant ivory, which will enhance…

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT OBAMA AND PRESIDENT HOLLANDE OF FRANCE IN JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE East Room 12:15 P.M. EST PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Good afternoon.  Bon après-midi.  Again, it’s a great honor to welcome my friend and partner, President Hollande, back to the White House for this state visit.  It’s always a pleasure to host François.  At Camp…

Below is a list of expected attendees at tonight’s State Dinner. Additional details about the State Dinner are available HERE. THE PRESIDENT and MRS. OBAMA HIS EXCELLENCY FRANÇOIS HOLLANDE, PRESIDENT OF THE FRENCH REPUBLIC Mr. J.J. Abrams, Pacific Palisades, CA Ms. Katie McGrath The Honorable Stacey Abrams, House Minority Leader (Georgia) Mr. Ben Jealous Ms.…

Tonight’s vote is a positive step in moving away from the political brinkmanship that’s a needless drag on our economy. The American economy is moving forward, but there is much more to do to ensure that more middle class Americans – and those striving to get into it – can get ahead. Congress can start…

U.S. Department of Labor Washington, D.C. 11:35 A.M. EST MRS. OBAMA:  Thank you all.  (Applause.)  Thank you so much.  Thank you.  You all rest yourselves.  It is a pleasure to be here with all of you.  And thank you all for joining us. Before I begin, we have to just take a moment to acknowledge…

Monticello Charlottesville, Virginia 5:32 P.M. EST PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Well, this has been a wonderful visit.  And I want to thank François for joining us here today.  I thought this was an appropriate way to start the state visit because what it signifies is the incredible history between the United States and France. As one of…

WASHINGTON, DC— In this week’s address, President Obama said he will do everything he can to make a difference for the middle class and those working to get into the middle class, so that we can expand opportunity for all and build an economy that works for the American people. The audio of the address…

The full text of an op-ed by President Obama and President Hollande of France is printed below. The piece, published today in the Washington Post and in Le Monde, can be read online HERE. Obama and Hollande: France and the U.S. enjoy a renewed alliance By Barack Obama and François Hollande, Monday, February 10 Barack Obama is…