U.S., Britain to work closely with allies over Afghanistan war

Top leaders of the United States and Britain have agreed to work closely with Afghanistan and Pakistan in fighting against Taliban and al-Qaida forces, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said on Thursday.

In their telephone talks on the day, U.S. President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown discussed the ongoing review of the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Gibbs told reporters.

"They agreed to remain in close consultation going forward, and underscored the importance of working closely with our allies and our Afghan and Pakistani partners," Gibbs said.

In addition, the spokesman added, Obama and Brown also exchanged view over Iran's nuclear issues and the G20 summit held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Sept. 24-25.

Britain deployed about 9,200 troops in Afghanistan, the second largest deployment after the United States. Some 210 British soldiers have died in the country since 2001.

Source: Xinhua