U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday called and spoke with, and had a surprise meeting with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, the White House said on Tuesday. Obama called Talabani and spoke with him before he made a surprise visit to a meeting between the Iraqi leader and National Security Advisor General Jim Jones at the White House on Tuesday. Obama “conveyed appreciation for the leadership that President Talabani has shown in promoting national unity in Iraq and encouraged him to continue his efforts in this regard,” the White House said in a statement. “The President conveyed to President Talabani support for Iraqi efforts to adopt an election law soon. He also reaffirmed that the United States remains committed to working with Iraq to promote security, political progress, and economic development as Iraqis take responsibility for their future. The two leaders expressed support for further economic cooperation, and highlighted the upcoming October 20-21 U.S.-Iraq Business and Investment Conference in Washington.”
