U.S. President Barack Obama has hosted the emir of Kuwait at the White
House, for talks on moving the Arab-Israeli peace process forward.
President Obama said topics of discussion Monday with Sheikh Sabah
al-Ahmad al-Sabah also were to include Afghanistan, joint
counter-terrorism efforts and Iran meeting its international
obligations with regard to its nuclear program.
The president spoke ahead of a White House luncheon with the emir.
Mr. Obama described Kuwait as an "outstanding host" for U.S. armed
forces for operations in Iraq. He said that as U.S. operations
transition in Iraq, the United States will emphasize its gratitude to
Kuwait and ongoing commitment to Kuwait's security.
The emir reaffirmed interest in bringing about peace in the Middle
East, and said the recent Arab peace initiative will be implemented
when Israel fulfills its obligations.
Earlier in Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with
Jordan's foreign minister, Nasser Judeh. She said the United States is
committed to a comprehensive peace in the Middle East based on the
two-state solution. Clinton said the United States is working with the
Israelis, the Palestinian Authority and Arab states toward that goal.
Foreign Minister Judeh said there is Arab recognition and commitment to
the Arab Peace Initiative, and he said it is time for Israel to
"reciprocate."