ERNE, United Kingdom, June 17 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday said challenges still exist in Britain's Northern Ireland, urging politicians and the public to keep working towards a permanent peace there.
"There are still people who have reaped the rewards of peace; there are still those not convinced that the effort is worth it. There are still wounds that have not been healed and communities where tension and mistrust hangs in the air," he said, while addressing thousands of students at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast.
"If you continue your courageous path towards a permanent peace and all the social and economic benefits that come with it that wont just be good for you," he added.
"It will be good for this entire island, for the United Kingdom, for Europe and it will be good for the world," said Obama ahead of a summit of G8 leaders, scheduled to take place in Lough Erne, County Fermanagh on Monday afternoon.
Obama arrived at Belfast International Airport on Monday morning. He is accompanied by his wife and daughters.
In his address, the U.S. president promised full support of the U.S. to those who chose the path of peace and said America would be behind them every step of the way.
"We will always be a wind at your back," he said.
Obama will meet Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. He will then travel to the G8 Summit venue.
G8 leaders' discussions at the two-day summit will focus on key issues of trade, tax compliance and transparency to support economic growth and jobs.
The Bund turns into beach as the temperature reaches high
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