BAGHDAD  – President Barack Obama says there’s “still a lot of work to do” in Iraq — where he arrived today on an unannounced visit.

Obama flew from Turkey after his European trip. He greeted the top U.S. commander in Iraq, and then stepped into an SUV for a brief ride to Camp Victory, the main U.S. military base in Iraq.

His motorcade rolled past troops standing at attention. Obama said it was “wonderful” to see them. He met with about 600 troops, and aides said he was presenting combat medals to 10 of them.

Obama spoke favorably of political progress being made in Iraq. But he also voiced concern that recent gains could be eroded with upcoming national elections. He says he thinks his presence will help encourage Iraqis to resolve differences in “equitable” ways.

Officials said Iraq’s prime minister would travel by motorcade to meet with Obama — who had initially planned to go by helicopter to the Green Zone. Officials say poor visibility, rather than security concerns, prompted the change in plans.