Category: October 2011

Today President Obama hosted Prime Minister Petr Necas of the Czech Republic for a meeting in the Oval Office.  The visit highlighted the three main areas of our bilateral relations: security cooperation, economic and commercial ties, and cooperation in support of democracy, open government and human rights around the world. Security Cooperation.  U.S.-Czech security cooperation…

The United States and the Czech Republic share a long history of cooperation based on shared values and shared interests, including promoting economic prosperity, supporting regional stability and strengthening energy security.  In the energy sector, the United States and the Czech Republic have taken a number of steps over the past two years to continue…

Building on the long friendship between our two countries, we met today to discuss how to strengthen and deepen our bilateral relationship and to examine how we can increase our cooperation in promoting common ideals and interests.  The United States and the Czech Republic are NATO allies and partners in numerous joint endeavors in Europe…

Vice President Biden led a Presidential delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today. The delegation met with Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Prince Nayif bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, Governor of Riyadh Prince Salman bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, Assistant Minister of Defense for Military…

Earlier today, President Obama called Cheryl Reeve, head coach of the Minnesota Lynx, to congratulate her and her team on winning the 2011 WNBA Finals.  The President told Coach Reeve that he is very proud of the way the Lynx played this season and of all the hard work that lead to the team’s first…

MRS. OBAMA:  Jacksonville!  (Applause.)  It’s wonderful to be back, and it’s so great to see all of you.  How are you all doing?  (Laughter.)  You’re already fired up and ready to go?  (Applause.) Well, I want to start by thanking your First Lady — Santhea, for that very kind and generous introduction.  I want to…

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Well, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to Prime Minister Necas and his delegation.  This gives me a chance to return the hospitality that the Czech people have provided me on the two occasions that I’ve had an opportunity to visit.  I’ve always been someone who not only wanted to visit but…

MRS. OBAMA:  Oh, goodness!  Thank you.  Joel, that was very nice.  (Laughter.)  Wasn’t it?  It is a pleasure and an honor for me to be here.  I want to thank Joel again for that very generous introduction, and I also want to thank Shannon and Joel — and Cooper — (laughter) — who I think…

MRS. OBAMA:  Yes!  We are fired up!  (Applause.)  Oh, my goodness.  This has been a great day.  (Applause.)  Thank you all so much.  Rest yourselves, because we got a lot of work to do.  I don’t want you to use all your energy.  (Laughter.) I am just thrilled –- this has been a great day. …

Today, here in America and around the world, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists will celebrate the holiday of Diwali – the festival of lights.  Many who observe this holiday do so by lighting the Diya, or lamp, which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.  I was proud to be…