Obama phones Merkel to discuss Syrian refugee crisis

Washington, Jan 22 (PTI) US President Barack Obama has called German Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis as part of his efforts to garner support for hosting a high-level summit on refugees at the UN later this year.

"The two leaders discussed the European response to the refugee crisis, including the upcoming Syria donors conference in London on February 4," the White House said in a statement.

Both leaders agreed that the London conference presents an important opportunity to galvanise global efforts to address the Syrian humanitarian crisis, it said.

During the call, Obama expressed support for the Chancellor's leadership on the refugee crisis, and discussed with her his plan to host a leader-level Global Refugees Summit on the margins of the UN General Assembly in September to secure new and concrete commitments to expand opportunities for refugees worldwide and support to frontline states.

"The two leaders committed to working together over the coming months to help protect and provide for the millions of people whose lives have been upturned by war," the White House said.

On Ukraine, the President and the Chancellor underscored their firm commitment to accelerate the full implementation of the Minsk agreements by all sides.

They also discussed ways to further bolster the robust economic relationship between Europe and the US, the White House said.

- PTI