Obama, Karzai speak on strategic issues

WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama on Monday talked with President Karzai of Afghanistan over the phone on an array of strategic issues of mutual concern.

"They discussed regional support for Afghan-led reconciliation, the Afghanistan-Pakistan-Iran trilateral meetings last week in Islamabad, and other strategic issues of mutual concern," the White House said in a statement.

"They agreed to speak again soon to remain closely aligned as both countries continue our efforts to achieve common goals, and work to forge a long-term partnership," noted the statement.