Office of the Press Secretary
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For Immediate Release

January 27, 2009

READOUT ON THE PRESIDENT’S CALLS TO FOREIGN LEADERS

Below is a readout from White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs:

Earlier today President Obama spoke with South Africa’s President Motlanthe. President Obama emphasized the importance of South Africa’s leadership role as a strong and vibrant democracy in Africa. The two leaders discussed their shared concerns about the situation in Zimbabwe. The President noted that South Africa holds a key role in helping to find a resolution to the political crisis in Zimbabwe. The President also said that he is looking forward to working with President Motlanthe to address global financial issues at the upcoming G-20 Summit in London in April.