Foreign Policy
Regional Issues
“For America, the choice is clear: We choose hope over fear. We see the future not as something out of our control, but as something we can shape for the better through concerted and collective effort. We reject fatalism or cynicism when it comes to human affairs. We choose to work for the world as it should be, as our children deserve it to be.”
Spotlight
Ebola: How We're Responding
Ebola continues to be a public health and national security priority, and President Obama and his administration continue to take aggressive measures to respond. Get the facts about Ebola, and learn more about how we're responding.
"We Will Degrade and Ultimately Destroy ISIL"
The President's goal is clear: to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL through a comprehensive and sustained counterterrorism strategy so that it’s no longer a threat to Iraq, the region, the United States, and our partners. Learn more about our ISIL response here.
The Americas
“But even more than interests, we’re bound by shared values. In each other’s journey we see reflections of our own. Colonists who broke free from empires. Pioneers who opened new frontiers. Citizens who have struggled to expand our nations’ promise to all people -- men and women, white, black and brown. We’re people of faith who must remember that all of us -- especially the most fortunate among us -- must do our part, especially for the least among us. We’re citizens who know that ensuring that democracies deliver for our people must be the work of all. This is our common history. This is our common heritage. We are all Americans.”
– President Obama, Palacio de La Moneda Cultural Center in Santiago, Chile, March 21, 2011
Highlights
Charting a New Course on Cuba
President Obama is taking action to cut loose the anchor of failed policies of the past, and to chart a new course in U.S. relations with Cuba.
President Obama in Mexico and Costa Rica
President Obama reinforces the deep cultural, familial, and economic ties that so many Americans share with Mexico and Central America.
Vice President Biden Visits Brazil
Vice President Biden delivers a speech in Rio de Janeiro about the promise of a strong U.S.-Brazil partnership.
Latest News
From the Blog
See All- July 01, 2015
President Obama Announces that the U.S. Will Reopen Our Embassy in Cuba
- June 17, 2015
Promoting Security and Transparency in Central America: High Level Security Dialogue With the Northern Triangle
- April 13, 2015
The Seventh Summit of the Americas: The President's Trip and a Historic Meeting
East Asia Pacific
“Here, we see the future. As the world’s fastest-growing region-and home to more than have the global economy—the Asia Pacific is critical to achieving my highest priority: creating jobs and opportunity for the American people. With most of the world’s nuclear powers and some half of humanity, Asia will largely define whether the century ahead will be marked by conflict or cooperation, needless suffering or human progress.”
Highlights
President Obama's 2014 Trip to China, Burma, and Australia
Deeply committed to his Asia rebalancing strategy, President Obama travels Asia for the second time in 2014 to meet with leaders in China, Burma, and Australia.
First Lady Michelle Obama's 2014 Asia Trip
Learn about the First Lady's trip to China from March 19-26, 2014. She visits Beijing, Xi’an, and Chengdu, inviting students and classrooms across the U.S. to follow her trip.
President Obama's Spring 2014 Asia Trip
The President’s visit to Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, and the Philippines focused on our major priorities in the region.
Vice President Biden's 2013 Asia Trip
Learn about the Vice President's six-day trip to Japan, China and the Republic of Korea where the Vice President meets with key leaders to discuss a full range of bilateral, regional and global issues.
President Obama’s trip to Thailand, Burma and Cambodia
Since taking office President Obama has focused on the importance of Asia Pacific to the future of the United States, both economically and in terms of our political and security objectives in the world.
President Obama Meets with President Xi Jinping of China
President Obama and President Xi Jinping visit the Sunnylands estate in California.
Latest News
From the Blog
See All- April 28, 2015
Welcome to the U.S.: The Prime Minister of Japan’s State Visit
- December 13, 2013
West Wing Week 12/13/13 or, "Madiba, Farewell"
- July 25, 2013
President Obama Meets with President Truong Tan Sang of Vietnam
Videos
- January 28, 2015
On Board with Kal Penn: Travels with President Obama in India
- November 14, 2014
West Wing Week: 11/14/14 or, "The Future That We See"
- December 18, 2013
On Board: Travels with the Vice President in Asia
Europe and Eurasia
“The buildings that are now living monuments to European unity were not drawn from simple blueprints. They were born out of the blood of the first half of the 20th century and the resolve of the second. Men and women had to have the imagination to see a better future, and the courage to reach for it. Europeans and Americans had to have the sense of common purpose to join one another, and the patience and the persistence to see a long twilight struggle through.”
Highlights
President Obama’s 2014 Trip to Estonia and the United Kingdom
President Obama travels to Estonia to meet with leaders of the Baltic States and to Wales to attend the NATO Summit.
President Obama’s 2014 Trip to Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and the Holy See
President Obama travels to the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, the Holy See, and Saudi Arabia from March 24 to March 29 to mobilize the international community
President Obama’s 2013 G-20 Trip
At his 7th G-20, the President consults leaders of the world’s largest economies on growth, job creation & financial stability.
President Obama’s trip to Northern Ireland
President Obama attends the G-8 Summit in Lough Erne, and speaks to the citizens of Belfast.
President Obama Speaks to the People of Berlin
President Obama discusses the deep and enduring bonds between the United States and Germany, and the values we share.
Vice President Biden at the Munich Security Conference
The Vice President highlights our strong cooperation with European allies and highlighted our many joint accomplishments over the last four years.
Latest News
From the Blog
See AllVideos
- November 14, 2014
West Wing Week: 11/14/14 or, "The Future That We See"
- September 06, 2014
President Obama Visits Stonehenge
- September 05, 2013
West Wing Week: 09/06/13 or "Stronger Together"
Middle East and North Africa
“Two years ago in Cairo, I began to broaden our engagement based upon mutual interests and mutual respect. I believed then -– and I believe now -– that we have a stake not just in the stability of nations, but in the self-determination of individuals. The status quo is not sustainable. Societies held together by fear and repression may offer the illusion of stability for a time, but they are built upon fault lines that will eventually tear asunder. So we face a historic opportunity. We have the chance to show that America values the dignity of the street vendor in Tunisia more than the raw power of the dictator. There must be no doubt that the United States of America welcomes change that advances self-determination and opportunity. Yes, there will be perils that accompany this moment of promise. But after decades of accepting the world as it is in the region, we have a chance to pursue the world as it should be.”
Highlights
The 2014 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit
In August, President Obama will welcome leaders from across the African continent to Washington, D.C. for a three-day U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, to foster stronger ties between the United States and Africa.
President Obama’s 2014 Trip to The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, Belgium...
President Obama travels to The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and the Holy See from March 24 to March 29 to mobilize the international community.
P5+1 Negotiations with Iran
President Obama has been clear that achieving a peaceful resolution that prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is in America’s national security interest.
Response to Syria
Learn about President Obama's response to the Assad regime's use of chemical weapons in Syria.
President Obama’s trip to the Middle East
In the first foreign trip of his second term in office, President Obama visited Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan.
Middle East Peace negotiators come to Washington
At the invitation of Secretary of State John Kerry, Israeli and Palestinian negotiators traveled to Washington to formally resume direct final status negotiations.
End of the Iraq War
The end of our mission in Iraq marks the fulfillment of a promise Barack Obama made to the American people even before he became President.
Latest News
From the Blog
See All- November 18, 2014
President Obama Holds a Meeting on Ebola, Discusses Attacks in Jerusalem
- September 10, 2014
President Obama: “We Will Degrade and Ultimately Destroy ISIL”
- September 10, 2014
Tune In: President Obama Addresses the Nation on the ISIL Threat
Videos
- November 14, 2014
West Wing Week: 11/14/14 or, "The Future That We See"
- August 05, 2014
President Obama Delivers Remarks at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit
- August 04, 2014
Vice President Biden Addresses the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit
South and Central Asia
“That’s what I want to address today —- the future that the United States seeks in an interconnected world, and why I believe that India is indispensable to this vision; how we can forge a truly global partnership -— not just in one or two areas, but across many; not just for our mutual benefit, but for the benefit of the world.”
"We are in Afghanistan to confront a common enemy that threatens the United States, our friends and allies, and the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan who have suffered the most at the hands of violent extremists."
– President Obama, Remarks on a New Strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, March 27, 2009
Highlights
Partnering with India
While visiting India, Vice President Biden held bilateral meetings with Indian leaders to build upon our already close relationship.
President Obama Visits India
President Obama visited India for bilateral meetings with leaders, reaffirming our close relationship.
Ending the War in Afghanistan
President Obama speaks about the importance of ending the war in Afghanistan and reinvesting in America.
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Latest News
From the Blog
See All- April 17, 2015
West Wing Week: 04/17/15 or, "The Quintessential Sounds"
- January 28, 2015
The Peace We Seek: President Obama Speaks to the People of India
- January 28, 2015
Democracy and Progress in India
Videos
- January 28, 2015
On Board with Kal Penn: Travels with President Obama in India
- November 14, 2014
West Wing Week: 11/14/14 or, "The Future That We See"
- August 02, 2013
Around the World with the Vice President & Dr. Biden
Sub Saharan Africa
“I don’t see Africa as a world apart; I see Africa as a fundamental part of our interconnected world. Whether it’s creating jobs in a global economy, or delivering education and health care, combating climate change, standing up to violent extremists who offer nothing but destruction, or promoting successful models of democracy and development —- for all this we have to have a strong, self-reliant and prosperous Africa…And the United States wants to be your partner.”
– President Obama, Young African Leaders Town Hall, August 3, 2010
Highlights
The 2014 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit
In August, President Obama will welcome leaders from across the African continent to Washington, D.C. for a three-day U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, to foster stronger ties between the United States and Africa.
President Obama meets with African leaders at the White House
President Obama and visiting leaders discuss how the U.S. can help continue support for efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and promote economic opportunity across sub-Saharan Africa.
U.S. Strategy toward Sub-Saharan Africa
President Obama is committed to working closely with our African partners to advance the prosperity, security, and dignity that citizens deserve.
Photo Gallery: The First Lady's Trip to South Africa and Botswana
A look at pictures from First Lady Michelle Obama's June 2011 trip to South Africa and Botswana, which focused on youth leadership, education, health, and wellness.
Latest News
From the Blog
See AllVideos
- August 07, 2015
West Wing Week: 08/07/15 or, "The Measure Of A Leader"
- November 14, 2014
West Wing Week: 11/14/14 or, "The Future That We See"
- October 24, 2014
A Digital Briefing on Ebola