Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Obama Calls Leaders of Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the Philippines

President Obama phoned the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, and Indonesia Friday for conversations the White House said touched on climate change, regional security and diplomacy, and strengthening of the global economy.

In his call to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia, the most populous Muslim nation, the leaders "discussed regional and international issues, including the President's commitment to a new and different kind of relationship with Islamic communities around the world," the White House said in a statement. Obama spent part of his early childhood in Indonesia.

His call to President Gloria Arroyo of the Philippines focused on "countering terrorism and modernizing the armed forces," the White House said. It also involved the "visiting forces agreement" that governs how U.S. forces based in the Philippines are allowed to operate.

Obama's call to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia concerned the "the need to coordinate international efforts to restore economic growth" in advance of the G20 summit in London next month, the White House said. (The Washington Post / Scott Wilson - http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/03/13/obama_calls_leaders_of_indones.html?wprss=44)

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