By KUNA,
Washington : US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron discussed, by telephone on Tuesday, next steps in preparing for the start of transitioning out of Afghanistan in early 2011, the White House confirmed.
During the 30 minute phone call, both leaders discussed ongoing counterterrorism cooperation in light of the arrest of a terrorist suspect in the United Kingdom. They also agreed upon the importance of advancing the Middle East Peace process, according to a statement released by the White House.
Obama reviewed the conclusions of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Annual Review, while Cameron discussed his observations from a recent trip to Afghanistan. The review found that NATO-led forces are making headway against Taliban insurgents.
The Prime Minister also expressed condolences on the death last week of US special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Holbrooke and they agreed on the importance of sustaining joint US-UK efforts in Afghanistan, the White House said.
Both nations plan on handing over security responsibility to Afghan forces by 2014.