Obama, Crocker meet

WASHINGTON, July 27 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama Friday praised outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan Crocker, saying Crocker served at a critical time.

Crocker is scheduled to leave his post by the end of the summer as the United States shifts its military role in Afghanistan to an advisory capacity.

A White House statement said Obama received an update from Crocker, who previously served in Iraq, and thanked the diplomat for his leadership.

"Thanks to his work, the United States -- together with the Afghan government and our NATO-ISAF [International Security Assistance Force] partners -- has cemented a long-term partnership with the Afghan people that allows us to responsibly wind down the war as the Afghan government stands up to take full responsibility for their security and sovereignty," the statement said.

The statement called Crocker "tireless and passionate" in achieving U.S. objectives.

"Ambassador Crocker will depart his role as the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan with the president's, and the nation's, great thanks and admiration," the statement said.