Obama & Cameron: Relationship is essential

LONDON, May 24 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron Tuesday reaffirmed the "essential relationship" between Britain and the United States.

In a bylined opinion piece that appeared in the Times of London, the two leaders said their countries are bound by much more than history.

"Ours is not just a special relationship, it is an essential relationship -- for us and for the world," they said.

They termed their relationship one that is founded on a deep emotional connection and ties of culture and people.

"But the reason it thrives, the reason why this is such a natural partnership, is because it advances our common interests and shared values," the two leaders said.

Obama and Cameron said they see "eye to eye" despite being from different political traditions.

The leaders said one area where they need to cooperate is in rebuilding the economies of both Britain and the United States.

"What's at stake now is whether new jobs and businesses will take root in our countries or somewhere else," they wrote. "Governments do not create jobs -- bold people and innovative businesses do."

They called for working closely together in other areas of common interest, especially security.

The leaders said the death of Osama bin Laden was a significant blow against al-Qaida but does not mark the end of terrorism.