President Obama calls Dutch PM Balkenende, invites him for Nuclear Security Summit

THE HAGUE (BNO NEWS) — President Barack Obama on Wednesday called Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende to discuss Afghanistan, the political situation and to invite him to the Nuclear Security Summit, the Dutch government said.

The call came nearly three weeks after a NATO request that asked Dutch troops to remain in Afghanistan toppled the country’s coalition government.

A Dutch government statement said Obama conveyed his thanks and appreciation for the Dutch efforts in Afghanistan. In the past, the United States and other countries had praised the work of Dutch soldiers and development workers in Uruzgan province. “This approach was partly an example for the current strategy of the United States in Afghanistan,” the statement read.

Balkenende also provided more background on the current political situation in the Netherlands, which is set for general elections on June 9.

“President Obama and Prime Minister Balkenende also discussed several other subjects on the international agenda, such as the joint approach to combat the effects of the economic crisis and the upcoming summit on nuclear safety, the Nuclear Security Summit,” the Dutch government said.

It said Balkenende accepted an invitation from Obama to attend the Nuclear Security Summit on April 12 and 13 in Washington, D.C.

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