Obama reaffirms U.S.-Britain alliance
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U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday congratulated David Cameron for becoming new British prime minister, saying the strong U.S.-Britain alliance is "essential" to the security and prosperity of the two countries.
President Obama called Cameron and delivered his congratulations on Tuesday afternoon shortly after the Conservative Party leader was appointed by Queen Elizabeth II as prime minister.
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The president described the U.S.-Britain alliance as "a bond that has endured for generations and across party lines" and "is essential to the security and prosperity of our two countries and the world."
Obama said he looks forward to meeting with Cameron at the G8 and G20 meetings in June in Canada, and that the new prime minister and his wife are warmly invited to visit Washington this summer.
Obama's call was believed to be one of the first congratulation calls from the world leaders for Cameron after he replaced Gordon Brown to be the host of the Downing Street No. 10.
Mr. Brown's Labor Party lost 91 seats in the House of Commons at the 2010 general election. Earlier on Tuesday, Brown officially resigned as prime minister and leader of the Labor Party.
President Obama, in his statement, voiced his appreciation to Brown for "friendship and his distinguished service as Prime Minister."
"He provided strong leadership during challenging times, and I have been grateful for his partnership," said Obama.
Britain is one of the United States' closest allies, and its foreign policy emphasizes close coordination with the United States.
The two countries continually consult on foreign policy issues and global problems and share major foreign and security policy objectives. The U.S.-Britain relationship is also viewed as the corner of the Transatlantic relationship.
