24/05/2011

President Obama Begins UK State Visit

The U.S. President and First Lady have arrived in the UK one day ahead of schedule to avoid disruption from a volcanic ash cloud.

Upon leaving the Republic of Ireland, President Obama and his wife Michelle touched down in Stansted airport in Essex as part of their week-long tour of Europe.

As part of his three-day long visit to the UK, the couple will meet the Queen at Buckingham Palace and will receive a ceremonial welcome, before visiting Westminster Abbey and Downing Street.

On Wednesday Mr Obama will meet with Prime Minister David Cameron for talks on Libya and the Middle East.

The countries' leaders have described the US-UK partnership is "an essential relationship for us and for the world".

(BMcN/GK)

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