President Barack Obama and Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, spoke to reporters Sunday in advance of their meeting at the White House, saying that both are committed to strengthening the Kuwait-U.S. relationship and stability and peace in the Middle East.

During his remarks, Obama said that Kuwait has been a great ally of the United States and that the U.S. must reaffirm its commitment Kuwait's security as the country transitions its operations in Iraq.
Obama went on to add that he and the Sheikh would discuss a wide range of issues during their meeting, such as the Arab-Israeli peace process, counterterrorism efforts and the conflict in Afghanistan.
“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,” he said.
Speaking through a translator, the Sheikh congratulated Obama on his presidency and said that Kuwait would remain an ally of the U.S.
In his brief statement, the Sheikh reiterated his commitment to help bring peace to the Middle East, and voiced his support for a peace initiative presented by Saudi Arabia in 2002.
However, he said that the Arab states would only start the initiative once Israel removes itself from occupied Arab-land in Palestine, as outlined by the peace initiative.
“It is in our interest that peace be brought about,” he said. “And the indicator is that the recent Arab peace initiative that was agreed upon by all of the Arab parties and states, and we would implement this peace initiative when Israel implements and fulfills its obligations.”
Neither Obama, nor the Sheikh answered questions from reporters after the remarks.
(Source: rttnews.com)