A+ A-

Obama welcomes King Salman, says it is "challenging time" in Mideast

WASHINGTON, Sept 4 (KUNA) -- President Barack Obama welcomed King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud to the White House on Friday and indicated that the two leaders plan to discuss a range of issues including, Yemen, Syria, and the fight against the ISIL.
"This is obviously a challenging time in world affairs, particular in the Middle East. So we expect this to be a substantive conversation across a wide range of issues," said Obama in remarks before their meeting.
On Iran, the President stressed, "we'll discuss the importance of effectively implementing the deal to ensure that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon while counteracting its destabilizing activities in the region." Obama also showed interest in addressing the world economy and climate issues with the King.
"I look forward to continuing to deepen our cooperation on issues like education and clean energy and science and climate change, because his Majesty is interested obviously ultimately in making sure that his (people) have prosperity and opportunity into the future," asserted Obama.
For his part, King Salman highlighted that he would want the visit to be "a symbol of the deep and strong relationship we have with the United States." He continued, "Our relationship is beneficial not only to our two countries but to the entire world and to our region. And this is significant and we must always affirm that and deepen such relations." The King concluded, "Our relationship must be beneficial to both of us, not only economically but in political and military and defense skills as well." (end) ak.bs