WASHINGTON — After a laid-back night eating hot dogs and watching NCAA basketball in Dayton, Ohio, President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron focused on their countries’ “rock-solid alliance” on the second day of Cameron’s official visit to the U.S.
Wednesday morning began as Cameron was formally welcomed to the White House by a large crowd and all the pomp of a state visit, although it was technically only an “official visit” because he is not considered the head of state. That title belongs to Queen Elizabeth II .
In meetings throughout the day, the two leaders discussed economic and foreign policy specifically regarding the Middle East and Afghanistan a couple months ahead of the NATO and G-8 summits. The timetable for the withdrawal for U.S. and U.K. troops in Afghanistan will be a major topic of discussion, and troops may be removed from lead combat roles as early as mid-2013.
“If we maintain a steady responsible transition… we can put Afghans in a position where they can deal with their own security,” Obama said in a press conference Wednesday afternoon.
This official visit followed the killings of 16 Afghan civilians last weekend allegedly by a lone U.S. soldier, and a roadside bomb blast that led to the deaths of six British troops last week.
Troops with flags and guns marched up and down the South Lawn preparing for the formal review that typically takes place when foreign heads of state visit the country. (Mattias Gugel/Medill)
First ladies Michelle Obama and Samantha Cameron have been spending some quality time during the British dignitaries’ visit. Tuesday they spent the day at an Olympics-themed event at American University, which goes with Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign and London’s hosting of the 2012 summer Olympics. (Mattias Gugel/Medill)
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Addressing Syria, Afghanistan and Iran, Obama said, “We believe that our citizens should be able to live free from fear. So like generations before us, we stand united in the defense of our countries and against those who would terrorize our people or endanger the globe with the world’s most dangerous weapons.” (Mattias Gugel/Medill)
Obama and Cameron talked about the “rock solid alliance” the United States and Great Britain share. After saying he feels embarrassed that his ancestors tried to burn down the White House 200 years ago, Cameron said the British people know they can count on America to do the “right thing” in the “right way” in regards to foreign policy. (Mattias Gugel/Medill)
Obama and Cameron held a news conference in the Rose Garden Wednesday afternoon to review the meetings they had after the arrival ceremony. Cameron said the key points of their discussions were Afghanistan, Iran, Syria and economic growth. (Mattias Gugel/Medill)
Although much of Wednesday’s proceedings were lighthearted, Obama addressed Iran and its nuclear program. He said “there is still time and space” for sanctions, but “the window for solving this issue diplomatically is shrinking.” (Mattias Gugel/Medill)
