U.S. President Barack Obama and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Wednesday discussed an array of regional security issues like Iran, Syria, terrorism, energy security and UAE's territorial dispute with Iran.

In a joint statement issued after their White House meeting, the pair urged Iran to meet its international obligations as world powers are continuing talks with the Islamic republic over its disputed nuclear program.

They touched on UAE's territorial dispute with Iran, as they called for "a peaceful resolution" of the islands' status.

"The United States strongly supports the UAE's initiative to resolve the issue through direct negotiations, the International Court of Justice, or another appropriate international forum," the joint statement said.

Iran and the UAE both claim territorial sovereignty over the three islands in the Persian Gulf -- Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, and have been at odds over them for decades. Increased tensions over the dispute prompted the UAE to recall its ambassador to Iran in April.

On the Syrian crisis, Obama and the crown prince noted the " urgent need" to implement the peace plan devised by UN-Arab League special envoy Kofi Annan to prevent "further bloodshed" in the country and their support for a transition plan that would meet the "legitimate aspirations" of the Syrian people.

In his latest series of efforts, Annan has called for a meeting of world powers and regional players in Geneva on Saturday to explore ways to lead Syria out of a 16-month crisis marked by violence and bloodshed.

On efforts to counter terrorism in the region, Obama and the crown prince pledged to sustain the joint counter-terrorism and security initiatives between their countries, and discussed programs to counter violent extremism and the ideological roots of terrorism, including the planned launch of a new Center for Countering Violent Extremism in Abu Dhabi in October.

They reaffirmed their commitment to strong bilateral defense cooperation to enhance regional security and deter any threat of aggression against the UAE and identified a number of mechanisms to deepen the cooperation, including more joint exercises and training, improved combined planning and future defense equipment sales, the joint statement said.

They pledged to enhance multilateral cooperation on regional security issues through the U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council Strategic Cooperation Forum.

On energy security, the crown prince outlined the UAE's ongoing initiatives to reduce price volatility and ensure reliable supplies to world markets at prices that support global economic growth, a major concern of Obama as he is seeking reelection in November amid uncertainties over growth both at home and abroad.

"The president and crown prince discussed the importance of protecting critical shipping lanes against threats of aggression, terrorism and piracy," the joint statement said, noting Obama congratulated his guest on the announcement of the opening of a new 1.5 million bpd oil pipeline that crosses the UAE.

The new pipeline allows energy supplies to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil route that Iran had threatened to close when tensions run high over its nuclear program months ago.