Subject: Daily Message Points -- May 13, 2016
From: "Cunnane, Pat EOP/WHO" <[email-masked]>
To: "Cunnane, Pat EOP/WHO" <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 13 May 2016 15:25:54 +0000

Daily Message Points

May 13, 2016

U.S.-Nordic Leaders Summit

*         Today, President Obama will host the President of Finland and the Prime Ministers of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland at the White House for a U.S.-Nordic Leaders Summit.  This event follows the convening of Nordic leaders during the President's trip to Sweden in September 2013.

*         This summit will be an opportunity to continue our close collaboration with the Nordic countries on a range of issues, including countering terrorism and violent extremism, protecting the environment, coordinating on Arctic issues, promoting the Global Health Security Agenda, advancing sustainable development, enhancing nuclear security, providing humanitarian assistance, and addressing the migration and refugee crisis in a humane and orderly way.

*         This summit will deepen U.S.-Nordic cooperation while highlighting America's continued commitment to European security, trans-Atlantic trade, and the promotion of common democratic values.  The President and Mrs. Obama will host the Nordic leaders for a State Dinner in the evening.

  *   We have outstanding relations with the Nordic countries.  These five nations are important U.S. partners and friends.  The United States greatly values the security, cultural, and trade ties we have with each Nordic country.  Over 10.5 million Americans today claim descent from these countries.  We are proud of their contributions to our country and to strengthening the ties that bind us together.
  *   The Nordics are tremendous partners in our shared efforts to address human suffering and advance human rights.  They are strong supporters of free markets, and they make critical contributions to difficult security tasks in Iraq and Afghanistan.  They also share our vision of promoting a Europe that is whole, free, and at peace.
  *   The United States, in turn, shares the commitment of our Nordic partners on a range of values and issues, including countering terrorism and violent extremism, protecting the environment, and collaborating on Arctic issues.
  *   All our Nordic partners share the U.S. focus on addressing climate change, and they have made clear that their approach to the Arctic is in harmony with that of the United States.  On Arctic issues, we will work closely with Finland as they assume chair of the Arctic Council in 2017 from the United States.
  *   We are also working together to address the migration and refugee crisis.  We commend Nordic countries for their role in managing this shared responsibility in a humane and orderly way.

o   The United States and Nordic countries believe in expanding global prosperity.  Economic and commercial ties are a critical part of our relationship with all Nordic countries.  We are strong trading partners and Nordic companies are a source of jobs here in the United States, just as we are good customers for Nordic companies.

  *   This summit also serves to emphasize America's continued commitment to European security and stability, which enhances prosperity and guarantees the democratic values we share.
  *   Like the United States, Nordic countries are leaders in promoting human rights and gender equality at home and around the world.
  *   In all these areas and more, the Nordic countries are leaders in promoting global peace and prosperity.

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