US President Barack Obama Saturday bade farewell to Manmohan Singh, telling him it was a "pleasure" to have worked with him and there were few public figures he "admired or appreciated more" than the outgoing Indian prime minister.According to a release from the Prime Minster's Office, Obama said: "It has been a great pleasure to serve with you, there are very few people in public life that I have admired or appreciated more."The US president said Manmohan Singh's tenure has been good for India and India-US relations and that he (Obama) would miss working with him.Manmohan Singh thanked Obama for his kind words and support and friendship.The prime minister said: "Your leadership has been an important factor in evolving a more cooperative framework in addressing global challenges."
Manmohan Singh said the past decade has seen a significant transformation of bilateral relations and significant progress was made in the last five years."This would not have been possible without the president's commitment, vision and leadership," he added."Indo-US relations are also indispensable to advance peace, stability and prosperity. I am therefore very optimistic and confident about this relationship, which I am sure the next Indian government will do everything to promote further," the prime minister added.