WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama telephoned President Francois Hollande of France on Thursday and discussed the latest developments in the investigation into last week’s terrorist attacks in Paris, the White House said.

President Obama, who called from the Philippines, told his French counterpart that he was looking forward to welcoming him to the White House next week, when the two leaders “will engage in discussions on the way forward to defeat ISIL.”

Their talks would also focus on how 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.

President 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.

“Both leaders reiterated their unwavering commitment to degrade and destroy ISIL,” the White House said.

Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2015