WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama talked by phone with Iraqi and South Korean leaders Monday to burnish relations with the two countries, the White House said.
Obama Press Secretary Robert Gibbs issued a statement saying the president congratulated Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on the successful completion of provincial elections last weekend.
"The president offered the best wishes of the American people as Iraq's new provincial leaders begin to assume important new responsibilities on behalf of the Iraqi people," the White House statement said.
Obama and the Iraqi leaders also discussed U.S. planning for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq.
" He reiterated his commitment to consult with the Iraqi government as the process moves forward," the White House said.
Obama had a "warm and substantive" conversation with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, the statement said, with the president conveying his "deep commitment to the United States-Republic of Korea alliance."
Both leaders expressed their intention to expand cooperation on global issues.
"They discussed the current financial crisis and agreed to work together, including at the G-20 Summit in London, to stabilize the global economy, to spur growth and to get credit markets flowing," the statement said.
They also agreed to work together and through the six-party talks to achieve the verifiable elimination of North Korea's nuclear weapons and programs.
