U.S. President George W. Bush met on Monday Congo President Denis Sassou-Nguesso at the White House and discussed the situation in Darfur, Sudan, the fight against AIDS, and Iran's nuclear program.

"We had a very constructive discussion about a variety of issues," Bush told reporters after the meeting. "We talked about our common commitment to help end the genocide in Darfur."

"I appreciate the president's leadership in helping negotiate a peace agreement, and I appreciate his leadership in working with the United Nations so we can get the AU forces blue-helmeted as quickly as possible," Bush said of Sassou-Nguesso's effort in making the May 5 Darfur peace agreement.

The African Union has a 7,300-member peacekeeping force in Darfur and is mediating the conflict.

The AU troops are getting support from NATO and the European Union and are due to hand over to a United Nations force in September 2006.

On AIDS problem in Africa, Bush praised Congo for its effort to curb the infection of the deadly disease, and reiterated American desire to help fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS in African continent.

Sassou-Nguesso said he discussed with Bush about terrorism, and diplomatic efforts to solve Iran's nuclear issue.

Source: Xinhua