Blair on farewell visit to Bush

On his last official visit to the US as Prime Minister, Tony Blair has held talks with George Bush, ahead of next month’s G8 summit. Bush told reporters after their discussion: “We talked about the Middle East and we are concerned about the violence we see in Gaza. We strongly urge the parties to work towards a two-state solution- we’re looking forward to continuing to work on this issue.”

Other topics of conversation included climate change, Iran and, inevitably, Iraq. The two close allies were mutually supportive at a time when they are both facing criticism abroad and at home. Blair told his ally: “You have been a strong leader at a time when the world needed strong leadership, you have been unyielding and unflinching and determined in the fight we faced together and I thank you for that.” Bush thanked Blair in return for his support. The two repeated their belief that to withdraw troops from Iraq would be a mistake.

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