Category: 2015

National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice met today with leaders and representatives of civil society organizations to discuss the potential impact of China’s draft foreign non-governmental organization (NGO) law on international NGOs and civil society in China.  Today’s discussion focused on concerns that the draft legislation would further narrow space for civil society in China,…

As more than 2 million Muslims from around the world and across the United States mark the end of their holy pilgrimage of Hajj in Mecca, Michelle and I extend our warmest wishes to Muslims around the world celebrating Eid al-Adha. This pilgrimage and Eid is about sacrifice, almsgiving, and equality. Thousands of Muslims around…

The President spoke by phone today with President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico regarding bilateral and broader economic issues.  The two leaders agreed on the importance of further deepening the United States-Mexico economic relationship to ensure both countries continue as leaders in the global economy.  More specifically, they discussed the status of the Trans-Pacific Partnership…

Jardín del sur de la Casa Blanca 9:32 A. M., HORA DE VERANO DEL ESTE PRESIDENTE OBAMA: Buenos días. AUDIENCIA: ¡Buenos días! (Aplausos.) PRESIDENTE OBAMA: Qué hermoso día nos ha dado el Señor. Santo Padre, en nombre de Michelle y mío, le damos la bienvenida a la Casa Blanca. (Aplauso.) Debería explicarle que nuestro jardín normalmente no está…

El Presidente habló por teléfono hoy con el Presidente Enrique Peña Nieto de México sobre asuntos bilaterales y económicos. Los dos lideres estuvieron de acuerdo sobre la importancia de fortalecer la relación económica entre Estados Unidos y México para asegurar que los dos países continúen siendo lideres en la economía global. Específicamente, discutieron el estatus…

South Lawn 9:32 A.M. EDT PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Good morning. AUDIENCE:  Good morning!  (Applause.) PRESIDENT OBAMA:  What a beautiful day the Lord has made.  Holy Father, on behalf of Michelle and myself, welcome to the White House.  (Applause.)  I should explain that our backyard is not typically this crowded — (laughter) — but the size and…

As Jews across America, Israel, and the world gather for the sacred service of Kol Nidre, Michelle and I extend our wishes for an easy fast to all those observing Yom Kippur.  The Day of Atonement is a time for humility, reflection and repentance, a chance to be honest with ourselves and one another about…

The President spoke today by phone with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany regarding the European response to the refugee crisis.  The two leaders agreed on the need for a Europe-wide solution in which all European Member States accept their fair share of refugees.  They also discussed how to alleviate the root causes of the refugee…

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of California and ordered federal aid to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by the Valley Fire beginning on September 12, 2015, and continuing. The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Lake County. Assistance can…

Via Telephone 5:53 P.M. EDT MR. PRICE:  Good afternoon, everyone, and thanks for joining this preview call to preview the visit of Xi Jinping, the President of the People’s Republic of China.  This call will be on the record but it will be embargoed until the conclusion of the call, so we would ask that…