ST GEORGE'S, Grenada – Grenada's Prime Minister Tillman Thomas is scheduled to meet with United States' President George W. Bush at the White House next week.

According to a statement from Washington, Bush will welcome Thomas, the current chairman of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, to the White House on Wednesday.

"Grenada is an important friend of the United States. The President looks forward to discussing a range of issues with Prime Minister Thomas, including our common commitment to the expansion of economic opportunities and the strengthening of democracy in the region," the statement said.

This visit, the first to Washington since Thomas' election, "underscores the strong spirit of cooperation and friendship between the United States and Grenada", it added.

Thomas led his National Democratic Congress to victory at the July 8 general election, defeating the New National Party that had governed this Caribbean Community state since 1995. (CMC)