US president Barack Obama said today that he and Taoiseach Brian Cowen see signs of economic stabilisation on both sides of the Atlantic but more work is needed for job creation.
Mr Obama spoke to reporters during a meeting in the Oval Office with the Taoiseach to celebrate St Patrick's Day.
"On both sides of the Atlantic we are seeking stabilisation of the economy, but we want more than stabilization," Obama said. "There are a lot of people out there who are still hurting, still out of work."
He said the United States and Ireland will continue to coordinate in international organisations and bilaterally "to see how we can spur investment and private sector growth on both sides of the Atlantic."
Mr Cowen, who is on a multi-city trade and investment mission to the United States, said the two countries are working together on how best to ensure that "our economies recover as quickly as possible."
"Certainly, in Ireland's context, the resurgence of the US economy will be a strong indicator of our return to prosperity," he said.
Following their meeting today, the Taoiseach and Mr Obama will go together to Capitol Hill to attend a special lunch hosted by Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.
Reuters