Category: Jan2015

Michelle and I send our condolences to the family of Ernie Banks, and to every Chicagoan and baseball fan who loved him. Ernie came up through the Negro Leagues, making $7 a day. He became the first African-American to play for the Chicago Cubs, and the first number the team retired. Along the way, he became…

President Obama called King Salman bin Abdulaziz from Air Force One today to personally express his sympathies following the passing of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.  King Salman welcomed the news that the President and the First Lady will travel to Riyadh on Tuesday, January 27 to meet with him and other Saudi officials to offer…

The United States strongly condemns the brutal murder of Japanese citizen Haruna Yukawa by the terrorist group ISIL.  Our condolences today are with the people of Japan for their terrible loss.  We renew our call for the immediate release of Kenji Goto and all other remaining hostages.  We stand shoulder to shoulder with our ally…

Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko about the situation in eastern Ukraine. The Vice President condemned the attacks and violence in eastern Ukraine initiated by Russia-backed separatists who have launched a military offensive against various cities and towns in the region. The Vice President and President Poroshenko expressed grave concern…

President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Lusaka, Zambia to attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Edgar Lungu, President-elect of the Republic of Zambia on January 25, 2015. The Honorable Sarah Sewall, Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, will lead the delegation. Members of the…

The President spoke by phone today from New Delhi, India with Japanese Prime Minister Abe to offer condolences for the murder by ISIL of Japanese citizen Haruna Yukawa and to convey solidarity with the Japanese people.  He also expressed appreciation for Japan’s significant contributions of humanitarian assistance to the Middle East region.  The two leaders…

“Chalein saath saath; forward together we go.” Reflecting the close ties between our two great democracies, India and the United States agree to elevate our long-standing strategic partnership, with a Declaration of Friendship that strengthens and expands the relationship between our two countries “Sanjha Prayaas, SabkaVikaas; Shared Effort, Progress For All.” Each step we take…

To further support the achievement of our ambitious climate and clean energy goals, the United States and India have pledged to enhance our cooperation in this area.  The United States welcomes India’s intention to increase the share of renewable energy in electricity generation consistent with its intended goal to increase India’s solar capacity to 100…

1.         The President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, accompanied by First Lady Michelle Obama, is visiting India from 25-27 January 2015.  The President of India and the Prime Minister of India welcomed the U.S. President as the Chief Guest at India’s 66th Republic Day celebrations, the first U.S. President to grace this…

As the leaders of the world’s two largest democracies that bridge the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean region and reflecting our agreement that a closer partnership between the United States and India is indispensable to promoting peace, prosperity and stability in those regions, we have agreed on a Joint Strategic Vision for the region. India and…