Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
The President: Well, it is wonderful to have
Taoiseach Kenny back here in the Oval Office.
This is one of my favorite times of year because I'm
able to join with our friends from Ireland
to celebrate the incredible bond that exists between
our two countries.
I think it's fair to say that there are very few
countries around the world where the people-to-people
ties are so strong.
And in addition to sharing values and sharing
a commitment to democracy, we also share these family
ties that go back generations.
And I want to once again thank the people
of Ireland for the incredible hospitality that they
showed me and Michelle and the girls each time that
we've had an opportunity to visit Ireland.
I started the meeting today congratulating
Taoiseach Kenny on the economic progress that's
been made over the last several years in Ireland.
Obviously Ireland was hit hard by the financial
crisis and problems with its banking system.
It required some very tough decisions that
Taoiseach Kenny was willing to take.
But what we've now seen is Ireland emerge from
its assistance program in a much stronger position
on the global stage and in global markets.
And as a consequence, I think it's really well
positioned to start building for the future
and attracting businesses with a highly skilled and
well-educated workforce.
And there is tremendous investment
by U.S. companies in Ireland.
There's tremendous investment here
in the United States by Irish companies.
We're an example of the mutually beneficial
trade that can take place across the Atlantic.
And that's why we appreciate Taoiseach Kenny
being a strong leader as we move forward
on the Transatlantic trade agreement that is
currently being negotiated between
the United States and the EU.
We had an opportunity to discuss
a range of global affairs.
Obviously on our minds right now
is the situation in Ukraine.
Ireland has been a strong voice
in the European Council for the need to send
a clear message of support for Ukrainian democracy
and self-determination, and a strong message to Russia
that it should not violate the integrity
and the sovereignty of its neighbor.
We continue to hope that there's a diplomatic
solution to be found, but the United States and
Europe stand united not only in its message about
Ukrainian sovereignty but also that there
will be consequences if, in fact,
that sovereignty continues to be violated.
We had an opportunity to discuss the fact that
Ireland does tremendous work around the world
on a whole range of issues.
It punches above its weight when
it comes to humanitarian efforts.
We very much appreciate that.
Closer to home, we both share an interest
in seeing Northern Ireland continue to take the next
steps that are necessary to finally bring an end
to what so often has been a tragic history.
I was disappointed, the U.S.
government was disappointed that the
All-Party Talks did not arrive at a final
conclusion and agreement.
But we're urging the parties to continue to
work and negotiate.
And I know that the good influence coming from
Dublin will help to encourage that
to move out of the past and get the kind of history that --
or the kind of future that Northern Ireland
so richly deserves.
So I greatly appreciate, Taoiseach, your visit.
We look forward to a good lunch
and I suspect some good Irish music.
And we will have a wonderful
St. Patrick's Day reception this afternoon.
The Taoiseach, I understand, has brought
his children here this time, so they'll be able
to celebrate alongside us.
And to you and your delegation, thank you
again for your friendship and support.
Prime Minister Kenny: Let me just say it's a
privilege to be here in the Oval Office with the
President to continue these traditions and
discussions that we've had between our two countries.
I might say that on this occasion
we did not have to have a detailed discussion
about Ireland's economy.
I was able to report to the President the progress
our country has made in the last couple years.
The President spoke about the issues
that we did discuss.
In addition to that, we also discussed the
question of immigration reform, which is an issue
for Ireland and for many other countries,
and we hope to pursue those discussions down
at the Capitol building later on with
a number of other representatives.
So it's a privilege to be here.
It's a great occasion for us.
And I've given the President a review
of the attitude and the happenings
at the European Council meeting, particularly in relation
to the situation in Ukraine.
And we hope that the entirety of message
and strength of feeling can prevent
very difficult circumstances arising there.
I explained to him the European Council meeting
presentation by the Ukrainian President,
the discussion with the EPP Congress
with Prime Minister Cameron in Downing Street earlier
this week and our hopes
that this matter can be resolved.
So, again, my privilege to be here on behalf
of the Irish people to wish the President, the First Lady
and his family every success in their onerous
responsibilities with so many places around
the world requiring the assistance
of the United States.
The President: Thank you.
Thank you, everybody.