The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said that India and the United States can work together to meet the challenges of 21st century. In a statement at White House before the summit talks with President Obama, he said that both the nations can address the problems like terrorism, climate change and to move towards a world free from nuclear weapon. Expressing his desire to deepen the strategic partnership with the U.S., Dr. Singh said the bilateral relations have been transformed to include all areas of human activity. He said, both the nations can and must work together to harness the talents for a better world. <br/><br/>Earlier, in his welcome speech for the first official state visit of his Presidency, Barrack Obama said that India and the United States are the two global leaders not to dominate the World but build prosperity and security for the entire man kind. He said the two great democracies and the great Republics are dedicated to ensure justice, liberty and equality for all. Mr. Obama said that as nuclear powers, both the nations have responsibility for non proliferation and to prevent the falling of nuclear devices in the hands of terrorists, besides realising the vision of nuclear weapons free world. Terming the partnership as defining moments of 21st century, the U.S. President said that the two economic marvels can work for the good of the humanity based on the age old bonds.<br/><br/>AIR correspondent reports that the terrorism emanating from Pakistan and implementation of the land mark civil nuclear deal will figure prominently in the summit talks that is now under way. The two countries are likely to sign a number of pacts including an MoU on counter terrorism to provide a legal frame work for stepped up cooperation against the menace. Dr. Singh will also raise the issues like situation in the South Asian region, economic and business ties, agriculture and education for enhanced cooperation.<br/><br/>The elaborate ceremonial welcome, which was planned at the White House lawns, had to be shifted to the sprawling mansion due to the rains. Earlier, Dr. Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur were given a rousing welcome at the White House, where national anthems of both the nations were played during the ceremony. Obama and first lady personally welcomed the Indian guests before they sat down for bilateral talks. After the meeting and discussions between the delegations of two countries, Dr Singh and Obama will jointly address a press conference and issue a joint statement reflecting the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries.