U.S., British leaders discuss Syria, refugee crisis

U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday spoke by phone with British Prime Minister David Cameron to discuss Syria and the upcoming Syria aid conference, the White House said.

Obama reiterated the commitment of the U.S. to continue to support those displaced by the violence in Syria and elsewhere in the region, as well as to help alleviate the pressures in Europe created by the unprecedented inflow of refugees, the White House said in a statement.

London Conference on Supporting Syria and the Region will be held on Thursday in London.

Obama informed Cameron that the U.S. will be represented at the Conference by Secretary of State John Kerry, who will announce "significant new contributions" to support relief efforts, and discussed plans relating to the Refugee Summit he will host at the UN General Assembly in September.

The two leaders also talked about the situation in Syria and the need for concrete steps to improve humanitarian access and build confidence in support of the political process.

In addition, Cameron updated Obama on his negotiations with European Union leaders to reform Britain's membership in the European Union.

Obama reaffirmed "continued U.S. support for a strong United Kingdom in a strong European Union," according to the statement.

European Council President Donald Tusk on Tuesday unveiled his proposals to retain Britain's membership in the European Union.

Cameron said the draft reform proposals have showed real progress in all four areas where Britain needs change but there is more work to do. Endit