Category: Jul2015

I wish to offer my deepest condolences on the passing of Djiboutian Ambassador to the United States Roble Olhaye.  Ambassador Olhaye was the longest-serving Ambassador to the United States, a tireless advocate for Djibouti, U.S.-Djiboutian relations, and a personal friend. We mourn the passing of Ambassador Olhaye, a forceful promoter of trade between Africa and…

Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. The two leaders discussed ongoing U.S. security assistance for Ukraine, Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts, energy security, and the urgency of seeking justice in the Malaysia Airlines MH-17 tragedy. The Vice President welcomed the recent reform laws that were passed by the Rada and noted the need…

President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to attend the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, California Mrs. Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States, will lead the delegation and deliver brief remarks to announce the official beginning of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games on Saturday, July 25,…

The Vice President spoke with Peruvian President Ollanta Humala today regarding the July 28-31 meeting of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade ministers in Maui, Hawaii. The Vice President and President Humala agreed to work together to conclude a high-standards agreement that opens up markets and provides protections for labor and the environment.  The Vice President also…

1. Do you find yourself being more ambitious about your designs to help young people now more than any other point in your life and why? I’ve always said that the role of First Lady comes with this big bright light that follows you wherever you go, and you have the privilege – and the…

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts: Richard Howorth – Member, Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority Harry K. Thomas, Jr. – Ambassador to the Republic of Zimbabwe, Department of State Victoria Wassmer – Under Secretary, Department of Energy President Obama also…

East Room 11:10 A.M. EDT MR. JENKINS:  Guys, welcome to the White House!  Make some noise!  (Applause.)  I still get excited — every time I sit next to the First Lady, I still get excited.  I see your phones out.  (Laughter.) How long have you guys been here?  This entire morning? AUDIENCE:  Yes. MR. JENKINS:…

East Room 2:57 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  Hello!  How’s everybody doing?  (Applause.)  So, first of all, I want everybody to understand I am not Wale.  (Laughter.)  Although I do have Wale’s mic and I’ve got to give it back to him after I say hi to you guys.  (Applause.) Has everybody had a good session…

Dr. Jill Biden is traveling to Luang Prabang, Laos and Okinawa, Japan for her final stops on a four-country visit to Asia. Throughout the trip, Dr. Biden has engaged government and civil society partners on issues related to economic empowerment and educational opportunities for women and girls. Dr. Biden is joined by Catherine Russell, U.S.…

The President today participated in a video conference with President Ashraf Ghani of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Abdullah.  The President commended the progress made since the leaders met in Washington in March, including on efforts to curb corruption, revive the economy, and improve regional economic connectivity.  The President also…