Obama: Kuwait Has Been "Outstanding Host"
Updated 4:00 pm ET.
President Barack Obama said Monday that Kuwait has been an outstanding host for U.S. military stationed there since the beginning of the war in Iraq and that he looks forward to even stronger relations with the Persian Gulf ally.
The U.S. military used Kuwait as a staging ground for the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Obama said the U.S. and Kuwait enjoy strong bilateral relations.
"We are looking to make those relations even stronger," he said before an Oval Office meeting with Kuwait's ruler, Sheik Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah. "Kuwait has been an outstanding host for the United States Armed Forces during its operations in Iraq. And as we transition our operations in Iraq, it's important for us to emphasize not only our gratitude to Kuwait, but also our ongoing commitment to Kuwait's security."
Obama has said all U.S. combat troops will be withdrawn from Iraq by August 2010, with a complete pullout of all forces by December 2011.
Obama and the Kuwaiti ruler were expected to discuss several regional issues, including achieving peace between the Arabs and the Israelis, the war in Afghanistan, joint counterterrorism efforts and Iran.
"I'm confident that, based on this conversation and ongoing work between our two countries, that we can strengthen not only Kuwaiti-U.S. relationships, but also to create a more stable region of peace and security in the region," the president said.
Kuwait's ruler congratulated Obama on finding the remains of Navy pilot Michael "Scott" Speicher, who became the first casualty of the 1991 Gulf War when he was shot down over Iraq during a combat mission on Jan. 17, 1991.
The Pentagon announced Sunday that Speicher's remains had been found.
The Kuwaiti leader also delivered early birthday wishes to Obama, who turns 48 on Tuesday.
He pledged that Kuwait would remain an ally and partner of the United States, and expressed interest in achieving Middle East peace.
"It is in our interest that peace be brought about," the Kuwaiti leader said.