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    October 13, 2011

U.S. Welcomes South Korean President on State Visit

   Dan Robinson | White House
   U.S. President Barack Obama and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak
   (L) at the White House, October 13, 2011.
   Photo: REUTERS
   U.S. President Barack Obama and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak
   (L) are sheltered from the rain by U.S. military personnel (R) holding
   umbrellas on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, October
   13, 2011.

   President Barack Obama has welcomed South Korean President Lee
   Myung-bak to the White House for a formal state visit, during which
   trade and security issues, including the next steps in dealing with
   North Korea, are topping the agenda.
   In heavy rain, Mr. Obama told the crowd gathered on the White House
   South Lawn that the U.S. - South Korea alliance is stronger than ever.
   "In South Korea, the United States has a global partner that is
   embracing the responsibilities of leadership in the 21st century."
   President Lee called Mr. Obama one his closest friends, and said the
   free trade agreement approved by the U.S. Congress the day before is a
   win for both countries.
   "This agreement will create more jobs, it will expand mutual
   investments into both of our countries," said Obama. "It will become a
   new engine of growth that will propel our economies forward."
   The two men then held a series of discussions, where the issue of North
   Korea was likely to be discussed. Later in the day, Mr. Lee addresses
   the U.S. Congress and then will be the guest of honor at a state dinner
   at the White House.

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