Bush hails enduring alliance

2008-05-14 14:05

Ben Gurion Airport, Israel - US President George W Bush said in Israel on Wednesday that the United States and the Jewish state had built an enduring alliance to battle "terrorists and tyrants".

"We have built an enduring alliance to confront terrorists and tyrants," Bush said in a brief address after his arrival at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv at the start of a Middle East tour.

"I look forward to discussing how I believe our two nations can continue to advance our ideals and approach our next 60 years of partnership with confidence and with hope," said Bush, who travelled to Israel to honour the country's anniversary and push forward the peace process with the Palestinians.

Bush was welcomed by Israeli President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who hailed America's decades-old alliance with the Jewish state.

"Mr President, you have demonstrated towards us a biblical attitude which is very rare, a warm friendship and determined dedication to the promotion of peace and security in the entire region," Peres said.

Olmert praised the United States for its devotion to Israel's security, saying Bush has been the "closest ally and partner" to Israel since assuming office in January 2001.

"Throughout the years the strategic alliance with America has become one of the fundamental pillars of our national security and the bond between our peoples has grown deeper and stronger with time," Olmert said.

The prime minister described Bush's decision to visit Israel in honour of its 60th birthday as "an extraordinary gesture of friendship" and "evidence of your unending commitment to the security and well-being of our country".

Bush last visited Israel and the Palestinian territories in January, when he met with leaders of both sides to encourage recently revived peace talks before touring several Christian holy places.

"We consider the Holy Land a very special place and we consider the Israeli people our close friends," Bush said, concluding with the traditional Hebrew greeting: "Shalom."

- AFP