*Administration of Barack H. Obama, 2009 *

**Remarks Prior to a Meeting With Leaders of the Union of South American Nations in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago **

*April 18, 2009 *

Good morning, everybody. I just want to say very quickly, I'm very grateful for the opportunity to meet with my colleagues from the south and participate in the meeting. UNASUR is doing some excellent work in their efforts in the region on things like energy and security. I have a lot to learn, and I very much look forward to listening and figuring out how we can work together more effectively. So hopefully, the meeting itself will go more smoothly than getting you guys in to take pictures. [*Laughter*]

All right? Thank you, everybody.

NOTE: The President spoke at 8:25 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these remarks.

*Categories:* Meetings With Foreign Leaders and International Officials : Union of South American Nations, leaders meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

*Locations:* Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

*Subjects:* Trinidad and Tobago : President Obama's visit; Western Hemisphere : Energy and climate, regional cooperation; Western Hemisphere : Security, regional cooperation; Western Hemisphere : Union of South American Nations.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD200900270.