UK Prime Minister David Cameron Arrives at the White House

President Barack Obama delivers remarks during an Official Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House honoring Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom and Mrs. Samantha Cameron, March 14, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Sonya N. Hebert)

In a ceremony steeped in tradition, President Obama -- together with the First Lady, the Vice President and Dr. Biden -- welcomed Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife, Samantha, to the White House on behalf of the American people.

The two leaders reviewed the troops assembled as an honor guard for the occasion, acknowledged a few bits of slang each had picked up from the other, and talked about "the rock-solid alliance" between the United States and the United Kingdom.

The President said:

We stand together and we work together and we bleed together and we build together, in good times and in bad, because when we do, our nations are more secure, our people are more prosperous, and the world is a safer and better and more just place. Our alliance is essential -- it is indispensable -- to the security and prosperity that we seek not only for our own citizens, but for people around the world.

That was a sentiment echoed by the Prime Minister:

The partnership between our countries, between our peoples, is the most powerful partnership for progress that the world has ever seen. That is why whenever an American President and a British Prime Minister get together, there is a serious and important agenda to work through. And today is no different. Afghanistan, Iran, the Arab Spring, the need for trade, for growth, for jobs in the world economy, the biggest issues in the world -- that is our agenda today.

Watch video from the ceremony here. And check in throughout the day for more about the official visit.