Washington, Nov 20 (IANS): US President Barack Obama Wednesday lauded Saudi Arabia's contribution to the global fight against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organisation.

Obama met the Saudi prince Mitib bin Abdallah bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud at the White House Wednesday and also spoke about Saudi Arabia's "critical role in upholding regional peace and security, including through its recent engagement with the new Iraqi government," Xinhua reported.

Saudi Arabia is one of the several countries in the US-led coalition that have conducted air strikes against IS targets in Syria, according to the US defence department.

The IS is a Sunni jihadi organisation, which last June proclaimed a "caliphate" in the areas it controls in Iraq and Syria. The group has been named a terrorist organisation by the UN and European Union (EU).

Obama and Prince Mitib also discussed efforts to promote stability in Yemen, the international response to counter the Ebola epidemic, strengthening global health and security, as well as the status of the nuclear talks with Iran, said Bernadette Meehan, spokesperson for White House's National Security Council.