Obama calls Hollande from Philippines

Washington: US President Barack Obama today called up his French counterpart Francois Hollande and discussed the developments in the investigations into last week’s terrorist attacks in Paris that killed 129 people.

Obama made the call from Philippines, where he is travelling for an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

“Obama once again expressed condolences on behalf of the American people to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in these horrific attacks, to the wounded, and to the French nation,” the White House said.

It said both leaders reiterated their unwavering commitment to degrade and destroy ISIL, using another acronym for the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group.

“Obama noted that he looks forward to welcoming President Hollande to the White House next week, when the two leaders will engage in discussions on the way forward to defeat ISIL, help to bring to an end the conflict in Syria, and to ensure we are doing all we can to safeguard our citizens from the threat of terrorism,” the White House said.