The Hill News

President Obama on Monday said the U.S. is "rooting" for Ireland to overcome the debt crisis that has gripped the country.

Obama visited Ireland on Monday on the first stop in a European tour meant to reaffirm ties with American allies, deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes said last week.

Obama met privately with Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny and discussed Ireland's relationship with the U.S., the queen of England's visit a week earlier and Obama's speech on immigration.

After the meeting, Obama praised the progress Ireland has made in overcoming its financial crisis.

"We're glad to see progress is being made in stabilizing the economic condition here," Obama said. "It is a hard road, but it's one that the Irish people are more than up to the task to achieve."

Ireland was forced to take an 85 billion euro bailout from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund after a number of banks in the country f! ailed last year.

"We are rooting for Ireland's success and we will do everything we can to help them on the path to recovery," Obama said.

Obama also said that the U.S. was "inspired" by the progress made on peace with Northern Ireland.

"I want to express to the Irish people ... how inspired we have been by the progress that's been made," Obama said.

"To see Her Majesty the Queen of England ... come here, to see the mutual warmth ... that sends a signal not just to England, not just to Ireland, but to the whole world," Obama said.