LOC22:03
19:03 GMT
WASHINGTON, June 1 (KUNA) -- President Barack Obama made remarks with Dutch King Willem-Alexander at the White House on Monday after they held a meeting to discuss issues in Europe and the Middle East.
Obama indicated that the two discussed, "the shared work that we do through NATO in making sure that the transatlantic relationship stays strong... the continuing challenges in Ukraine... (and the United States') solemn commitment to support the Dutch in the investigation of the Malaysia Airlines tragedy."
Both leaders expressed "shared concern" over violence in the Middle East in which Obama highlighted that "Dutch troops work alongside US and other coalition members to help defeat ISIL."
Obama then recognized the "excellent work" the Dutch offered the Ebola crisis.
"So whether it's in Afghanistan, whether it's in public health issues, whether it's in Europe and the need for us to maintain solidarity and uphold the principles that have been central to building a unified and peaceful Europe, the Netherlands has consistently been one of our greatest allies," the president said.
For his part, Willem-Alexander said "we now stand should by shoulder fighting ISIL, meaning a small shoulder and a big shoulder. But still, we stand next to each other."
The King highlighted that four-and-a-half million Americans are of Dutch descent adding that he and the Queen will now travel to Michigan "to see a lot of these descendants."
He thanked Obama for the welcome and wished luck to the US. (end)
ak.sd