Obama, Brown speak by phone, discuss climate change and economic recovery

Obama, Brown speak on climate change, economy

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Friday spoke with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to discuss climate change and the global economic recovery.

Obama spoke with his counterpart by telephone as part of their ongoing consultations. The pair also spoke about food security, Iran and progress on Middle East peace, according to the White House.

Obama also praised Brown’s speech on climate change Friday as making a contribution to the debate “at this critical time.”

Obama said he looks forward to working with Brown and other leaders at the Major Economies Forum on Climate and Energy meeting in L’Aquila, Italy, next month.