WASHINGTON, June 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush on Wednesday promised to help the new Iraqi government headed by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki succeed.

    Speaking at a press conference in the White House, Bush said during his surprise visit to Iraq on Tuesday, he met with Maliki and discussed ways that the United States could help the Iraqi government accomplish its objectives.

    "The policy of the United States government is to stand with this new government and help them succeed, and we will do what it takes to help them succeed," he said.

    Bush also spoke highly of Maliki. "I saw firsthand the strength of his character and his deep determination to succeed, to build a country that can sustain itself, govern itself and defend itself," Bush said.

    Moreover, he said that Maliki had a plan to succeed and urged the Iraqi government to follow through.

    "The Iraqi people have expressed their desires and now it is up to the government to follow through," said Bush, who also urged the Iraqi government to root out corruption and revive economy.

    To help the new Iraqi government succeed, Bush promised not to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq.

    The press conference came after Bush's surprise visit to Iraq on Tuesday. During his five-hour stay in Baghdad, Bush told Maliki and his cabinet that the United States would not withdraw troops from Iraq until the new government was capable of defending itself.

    This was Bush's second visit to Iraq since he became president. He last visited Iraq in November 2003. Enditem