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Obama Continues Calls To Foreign Leaders

President Obama hasn't yet met face to face with a foreign leader as president, but he is continuing to make calls with his counterparts around the world.

Yesterday, Mr. Obama talked with Prime Minister Aso of Japan and President Motlanthe of South Africa.

(AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)
A statement from press secretary Robert Gibbs said that Aso, at left, and Mr. Obama had a "substantive and wide-ranging" discussion on topics including the economic crisis and continuing six party talks over North Korea.

"The president expressed his deep commitment to the U.S.-Japan Alliance, which serves as the foundation for stability in the region," the statement said.

(AP)
In a statement on the call with Motlanthe, at left, Gibbs said the president emphasized the "importance of South Africa's leadership role as a strong and vibrant democracy in Africa."

The two leaders also discussed the situation in Zimbabwe, with the president saying that "South Africa holds a key role in helping to find a resolution to the political crisis."

The statements also said Mr. Obama looks forward to meeting with the leaders soon. In case you missed it yesterday, the White House announced Mr. Obama will make his first foreign trip as president on February 19, to Canada.

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