President Obama met with British Prime Minister David Cameron in Washington, D.C., to discuss the Middle East, future roles in Afghanistan, and other global security developments. “With regard to global security, we reviewed progress in Afghanistan, where our troops continue to serve with extraordinary courage alongside each other,” said Obama during a joint press conference with Cameron at the White House on May 13. “I want to commend David for his efforts to encourage greater dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which is critical to a regional security,” added Obama. He said US, British, and coalition forces are moving into a support role in Afghanistan this spring as Afghan forces take the lead for security across the country. The President said the two nations have a “shared commitment” to Middle East peace. Obama said he and Cameron also discussed Syria and Iran. (AFPS report by Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.) (Obama-Cameron transcript)
The U.K. and the U.S. will continue to enjoy access to the ports, airfield, and workshops at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean for at least another century, under a deal inked between the U.K. and Mauritius May 22.