WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush invited on Monday Kuwait's new Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah to visit Washington "at his convenience," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said at a briefing.

    "The president called the Emir of Kuwait to extend our personal condolences on the death of his brother, the late emir, and to offer congratulations and best wishes as he takes over the position," McClellan said.

    "The Emir expressed his appreciation for the call and indicated he would continue on the path of his brother, including building upon our strong US-Kuwait relations. The president also invited the Emir to visit the White House at his convenience," McClellan said.

    Sheikh Sabah, 76, became Kuwait's emir after the parliament voted to remove former ailing ruler Sheikh Saad al-Abdullah al-Sabah on Jan. 24.

    Kuwait has been a strong U.S. ally in the Middle East. Enditem