Obama thanks Saudi Arabia for helping fight Islamic State

President Barack Obama is thanking Saudi Arabia for its role in the U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group.

The White House says Obama met Wednesday with Saudi Arabia's Prince Mutaib. He's the son of King Abdullah and the head of the Saudi Arabian National Guard.

The White House says Obama praised Saudi Arabia's role in promoting Mideast peace and stability and in engaging with Iraq's new government. Saudi Arabia is one of a handful of Arab countries playing a role in the coalition conducting airstrikes against IS.

Obama and the Saudi prince also discussed the security situation in Yemen, pending nuclear negotiations with Iran and efforts to fight the Ebola epidemic.