Obama discusses Libya, West Asia with Emir of Qatar

US President Barack Obama has met with Emir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani of Qatar in his Oval Office here and discussed the current situation in Libya and the West Asia.

Called the meeting "a very useful conversation", Obama thanked Hamad for "the leadership that the Emir has shown when it comes to democracy in the West Asia," and in particular in Libya.

"We would not have been able I think to shape the kind of broad-based international coalition that includes not only our NATO members but also includes Arab states without the Emir's leadership. He is motivated by a belief that the Libyan people should have the rights and freedoms of all people," Obama told reporters in a joint media availability with the Emir at his Oval Office.

"Qatar is not only supportive diplomatically but is also supportive militarily, and we are very appreciative of the outstanding work of that the Qataris have done side by side with the other international coalition members," he said.

In addition to Libya, Obama said they discussed their mutual interest in seeing a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"The Emir provided me insights into how he sees reform evolving throughout the region," he said, adding they also discussed some of the areas where the two countries are cooperating beyond the West Asia, for example Qatar has been a leader internationally around the issues of food security.

"In North Africa, in Sudan, Qatar has helped to sponsor talks to see if we can resolve the situation in Darfur. And so what we've pledged is not only that we would continue these consultations in the short term, but that we would continue to work over the long term to deepen our relationship," Obama said.

Obama also congratulated Hamad on hosting the World Cup in 2022 and said that by then, even though he will be an ex-president, he hoped he could still get good seats if he traveled to Doha.

Speaking through a translator, Hamad who was dressed in a western suite with a brown tie with white stripes thanked Obama for his position in supporting democracy in Egypt and Tunisian and "attempts now in Libya".

Hamad said the most important issue for the region is Israel-Palestinian peace.

"We do understand your position, President, in supporting the existence of two states peacefully living side by side, and we support your position. Regarding Darfur, we will exert our best effort to cooperate with you on finding the best way out. This has been a longstanding issue, but I think with our common capabilities, we will be able to achieve that goal," the Emir of Qatar said.

Then, speaking in English, Hamad joked to Obama: "And I will not forget to send you tickets (for World Cup)."