In the 21st century, 'we cannot solve our problems until we solve them together,' he said.

'For centuries diplomats have come together to discuss war and peace, commerce and exchange,' he said. 'But now it is hard to think of an issue that matters to our people that does not depend in some way upon cooperation among nations.'

Obama said health, education, energy, the environment, the arts and sports all benefit from cooperation among nations.

'And that's one reason why I came into office with a strong commitment to renew American diplomacy and to start a new era of engagement with the world,' Obama said.

(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)