President Obama's Weekly Radio Address (April 4, 2009)

HIGHLIGHTS:

In this new century, we live in a world that has grown smaller and more interconnected than anytime in history. The threats to nation's security and economy can no longer be kept at bay by oceans. The terrorists who struck our country on 09/11 plotted in Hamburg, trained in Afghanistan and threatened countries across the globe. The theft of nuclear material from the former Soviety Union could lead to the destruction of any city on earth. Because of reckless bankers, aglobal recession has inflicted pain on families in America . Sometimes it's necessary for a president to travel abroad to protect and strengthen our nation at home.

I began by attending the G-20 Summit. The world's economy is inextricably linked to America's economy. If other countries can't spend, we can't sell our goods. Just yesterday we learned we lost hundreds of thousands of jobs last month. It we continue let banks act recklessly and irresponsibly, it affects banks extending credit to pay for things like college.

There must be a global response. After two days of careful negotiation, th G-20 nations have agreed on steps for our pursit of a global economy. We are trying to spur and create new jobs and sweeping reform.

I also met with the leaders of China and Russia to forge new relationships and being frank about where we disagree. Presient Hu and I agreed that we have a mutual benefit with our economny and struck up a new dialogue.

President Medvedev and I agreed on a commitment to live in a world without nuclear weapons and signed an agreement to further reduce our nuclear arsenals.

I met with our NATO allies and asked for more support in Afghanistan where al Qaeda trains. Every nation has a stake in endsuring our mission in Afghanistan is a success.

We haven't solved all of our problems. We haven't agreed on everything, but we have made real and unprecedented progress.

In the end we recognize that no corner of the globe is safe. The only way forward is through shared and persistent effort. I am confident we will meet this challenge. Thank you.

4/4/20: Your Weekly Address from White House on Vimeo.