U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday met with Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen at the White House and the two sides talked about bilateral relations and cooperation to deal with the economic crisis.

Speaking to Cowen, Obama hailed Ireland for having as much influence on American culture and tradition. "This is an affirmation between one of the strongest bonds between peoples that exists in the world," he said.

In addition to traditional friendship between the United States and Ireland, Obama and Cowen also discussed deteriorating economic crisis that has hit the Irish economy particularly hard.

During the meeting, which took place on annual Saint Patrick's Day marking bilateral friendship, the two leaders pledged to beef up cooperation to cope with the shaky global economy.

U.S.President Barack Obama (2nd L) meets with Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, capital of the United States, March 17, 2009
Source:Xinhua