Obama: Ties with Pacific region key to 'creating new jobs'

The president, meeting with Pacific Rim leaders in Hawaii, called the region pivotal to his "goal of doubling U.S. exports and creating new jobs."

President Obama called attention on Sunday to the United States' economic relationship with countries in Asia and the Pacific region, calling it a "top priority" during a meeting with leaders of 21 nations.

Obama was joined in Honolulu, Hawaii by the prime ministers of Japan, Australia and Singapore and the presidents of Russia, China and Vietnam, according to the White House.

"We’re not going to be able to put our folks back to work and grow our economy, expand opportunity unless the Asia Pacific region is also successful," Obama said, calling the region "key to achieving my goal of doubling U.S. exports and creating new jobs."

Obama said the summit would pursue three primary goals: streamlining regulations, promoting green jobs and increasing trade and development.

Obama is on a 9-day tour through the Asia-Pacific region. On Saturday, he and leaders from eight other nations agreed to a framework for a free trade agreement for the Pacific Rim area.

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