Obama meeting with Singapore's prime minister focuses on trade and terror

 WASHINGTON — Singapore's prime minister  urged Congress to approve a Pacific trade deal,  tellingPresident Obama at a White House  ceremony that the United States is an  "indispensable role in the Asia-Pacific."

 "Some Americans are anxious and frustrated with  economic uncertainty and the uneven results of  globalization, trade and foreign engagement,"  Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said as Obama  greeted him for a formal state arrival ceremony in  advance of their state dinner Tuesday night. But Lee said the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership is an essential part of American leadership in the region."

"Not only will the TPP benefit American workers and businesses, it will send a clear signal and a vital signal that America will continue to lead in the Asia- Pacific and enhance the partnerships that link our destinies together," Lee said.

Trade was also at the top of Obama's agenda. He called for "a regional order where every nation, large and small, plays and trades by the same rules." But he also touted Singapore's cooperation on terrorism, disease and climate change. Singapore was the first southeast Asian nation to join the coalition against the Islamic State.

"In this work, we draw strength from our people, two societies built on multiculturalism and on merit," Obama said.

The arrival ceremony kicked of a day of events that includes an Oval Office meeting, joint press conference and a state dinner. It's the first state dinner in honor of a Singapore prime minister in 31 years. President Ronald Reagan hosted Lee's father, Lee Kuan Yew, in 1985.

Lee suggested that he's been watching the American election campaign closely. "I know it's a busy year. I watched you on television last week, and Michelle, too," he told Obama. "I know that America's many preoccupations, both at home and abroad."