WASHINGTON, July 11 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush called his counterpart of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday, expressing appreciation for UAE's decision to cancel Iraq debt, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.

    "We certainly appreciate the Emirates' recognition that a secure and prosperous Iraq is in the best interest of the region," Perino told reporters.

    Sheikh Khalifa announced that his country has written off debts and interests worth four billion U.S. dollars owed by Iraq while meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in Abu Dhabi Sunday.

    Such a decision is a "genuine expression of brotherhood and solidarity between the two countries. It is also an effort to assist Iraq to execute reconstruction projects and rehabilitation of institutions," Sheikh Khalifa said.

    The Bush administration has been urging its Arab allies to reach out diplomatically to Iraq and its government.