2006年VOA标准英语-Bush Meets With Amir of Kuwait

By Scott Stearns
Washington
05 September 2006
 

Amir of Kuwait (left) with President Bush

President Bush welcomed the Amir of Kuwait to the White House for talks about bringing peace to the Middle East.

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He thanked the Amir for what he called Kuwait's steadfast¹ support for the U.S. military. There are currently about 22,000 U.S. troops in Kuwait backing U.S. military operations in Iraq. Kuwait was the base from which U.S. commanders launched the bulk of the 2003 invasion to topple then-Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

Mr. Bush says he appreciates what he calls the Amir's clear vision for how the United States and Kuwait can work together both commercially and diplomatically. "We've had an important strategic dialogue about how to work together to promote peace and stability in the Middle East. I thank you for your leadership," he said.

President Bush congratulated the Amir for Kuwait's ongoing² political reforms including broader rights for women. Those changes serve as what Mr. Bush calls a notable example for others in the region.

Speaking to reporters after their meeting, the president said he fully³ understands America's obligation to work to promote peace in the region.

The Amir says his White House talks were fruitful and focused on bilateral⁴ economic issues as well as regional matters of mutual⁵ interest.

Speaking through an interpreter, the Amir said there are many different views about how to achieve Middle East peace but the common goal is one of stability. "Yes, I do agree that there are differences between points of view from the United States and some in our region. But nevertheless I would like also to say that there are differences between ourselves in the region," he said.

The two men had a working lunch after their Oval Office meeting. This was the Amir's first visit to Washington since he assumed power seven months ago. In addition to Middle East peace, the Kuwaiti Embassy says the Amir also intended to discuss the fate of Kuwaiti detainees at the U.S. naval⁶ base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

1 steadfast   

adj.固定的，不变的，不动摇的；忠实的；坚贞不移的

参考例句：

• Her steadfast belief never left her for one moment.她坚定的信仰从未动摇过。
• He succeeded in his studies by dint of steadfast application.由于坚持不懈的努力他获得了学业上的成功。

2 ongoing   

adj.进行中的，前进的

参考例句：

• The problem is ongoing.这个问题尚未解决。
• The issues raised in the report relate directly to Age Concern's ongoing work in this area.报告中提出的问题与“关心老人”组织在这方面正在做的工作有直接的关系。

3 fully   

adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地

参考例句：

• The doctor asked me to breathe in,then to breathe out fully.医生让我先吸气，然后全部呼出。
• They soon became fully integrated into the local community.他们很快就完全融入了当地人的圈子。

4 bilateral   

adj.双方的，两边的，两侧的

参考例句：

• They have been negotiating a bilateral trade deal.他们一直在商谈一项双边贸易协定。
• There was a wide gap between the views of the two statesmen on the bilateral cooperation.对双方合作的问题，两位政治家各自所持的看法差距甚大。

5 mutual   

adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的

参考例句：

• We must pull together for mutual interest.我们必须为相互的利益而通力合作。
• Mutual interests tied us together.相互的利害关系把我们联系在一起。

6 naval   

adj.海军的，军舰的，船的

参考例句：

• He took part in a great naval battle.他参加了一次大海战。
• The harbour is an important naval base.该港是一个重要的海军基地。