Outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair flew in Washington Wednesday to pay a farewell visit to U.S. President George W. Bush before he steps down as prime minister on June 27.

"The president extended an invitation for Prime Minister Blair to stay the night at the White House and he accepted," White House deputy press secretary Dana Perino told reporters.

Bush is to host a private dinner for Blair Wednesday night.

On Thursday, the two leaders will have talks focusing on the global war on terror, efforts to stop the conflict in Sudan's Darfur region, the Middle East peace process and the Group of Eight summit in Germany coming up in early June, U.S. officials said.

Blair, 54, announced last week to step down as prime minister on June 27 after a decade in power amid strong domestic criticism for his strong support for Bush and the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

The White House praised him as "an extraordinary leader" and a friend and ally of the United States. ??

Editor: Yan