Obama pledges to strengthen investment links with Ireland
And he lauded the international effort of Ireland in peacekeeping and development work.
At a meeting in the White House Mr Obama told Taoiseach Brian Cowen the close relationship between the two countries would continue as they emerged from recession.
“On both sides of the Atlantic we have seen stabilisation of the economy. But obviously we want more than just stabilisation. There are a lot of people out there still hurting, still out of work.
“So we will continue to coordinate in international fora, as well as bilaterally, to see how we can spur investment and private sector growth on both sides of the Atlantic,” he said.
Mr Obama said the relationship fostered by more than 30 million Irish Americans would continue.
“America has been shaped culturally, politically and economically by the incredible contribution of Irish Americans. Those bonds endure and in our meeting we reaffirmed how important it is for us to continue strong partnership across a whole host of issues,” he said.
The Taoiseach said the President’s support was good news for the delegation of 70 small and medium sized companies he has led across America this week.
Mr Cowen said Irish businesses invested €34bn in the US and it was important to recognise the mutual support. “It something that is very important to both our countries. And certainly in Ireland’s context the emergence of the US economy will be a strong indicator of our return to prosperity,” he said.
The two leaders had their 40-minute meeting in the Oval Office followed by a lunch with congressional politicians on Capitol Hill. Earlier Mr Cowen met with Vice-President Joe Biden.
Last night Mr Obama and his wife, Michelle, hosted a St Patrick’s Day reception in the White House where the Taoiseach handed over the traditional bowl of shamrock. And while Mr Cowen commented on the glorious sun shining throughout the morning meeting he also recognised the enormous political clouds hanging over the Obama administration.
Democrats are scrambling to secure enough congressional votes to push its divisive healthcare legislation through the back door.
During a joking with Mr Obama, the Taoiseach said the attention Washington afforded to the Irish delegation was appreciated.
“We decided to come on a quiet week. We knew there wasn’t much going on. In that context it reinforces the fact we are so grateful that the President gave so much of his time both himself as President, his administration and indeed people on the Hill from both parties are very welcoming of us,” he said.
He said it was a good opportunity for him to “meet with the leader of the free world”.
Mr Obama thanked Mr Cowen for Ireland’s commitment to help America’s overseas missions.
“We use the facilities in Ireland for transit for our military troops to Afghanistan, the Irish police are providing training in Afghanistan. The Irish Government punches above its weight on a whole host of critical issues,” he said.
He also congratulated the Taoiseach on the successful talks on devolution in North Ireland.
