U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday outlined
profound challenges facing the world like economic instability, unrest
in the Middle East and North Africa, terrorism and climate change in a
speech in central London.
Obama, the first U.S. president to address both
Houses of Parliament of Britain in Westminster Hall, an honor usually
reserved for British monarchs, made the speech as his first state visit
to Britain and the third state visit by U.S. presidents to Britain in
the past 100 years is coming to an end.
Obama described relations between the U.S. and
Britain as "one of the oldest and strongest alliances the world has
ever known" in front of hundreds of British politicians including Prime
Minister David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and former
prime ministers Sir John Major, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
"The past decade began with war and ended with a
recession. Our nations are now at a pivotal moment," said Obama,
stressing the U. S. and Britain share common interests in resolving
conflicts that prolong human sufferings.
Obama claimed the U.S. and Europe still own the
leadership of the changing world. "The time for our leadership is now,"
he declared.
Earlier Wednesday, Obama and Cameron held talks at
No.10 Downing Street on economic recovery as well as anti-terrorism
efforts for about 90 minutes.
Obama arrived in Britain on Monday night after an
one-day visit to Ireland, and will leave for France to attend the G8
Summit early Thursday. Xinhua
