Barack Obama calls Hollande amidst differences on climate change

Washington: US President Barack Obama called his French counterpart Francois Hollande amidst reports that sharp differences have emerged between the two countries on the crucial Paris Climate Change summit later this month.

Obama spoke by phone this morning with Hollande to discuss the upcoming Paris climate conference, which will begin on November 30, the White House said.

"Both leaders emphasized their personal commitment to reach an ambitious and durable climate change agreement as well as their determination to work together to do so," the media readout of the phone call said.

Obama and Hollande also previewed the upcoming G20 Summit in Antalya, Turkey, where they will meet in person this weekend, the White House said.