Obama speaks to Tsipras on debt, reforms, refugee crisis

US President Barack Obama spoke by telephone with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras late on Thursday to congratulate him on his reelection, according to a statement from the White House who said the two men discussed the refugee crisis, Greece's debt problem and regional issues.

Obama said the US looked forward to working with the new Greek government "as it takes steps to implement needed reforms, return to growth, and achieve debt sustainability within the eurozone, including through agreement on debt relief with its creditors."

The statement said Obama also pledged solidarity with Greece and the EU "in their response to the extraordinary surge in refugees and migrants" and reiterated the US commitment "to helping Syrians and others in need of humanitarian relief."

The two leaders agreed on the importance of working with Turkey on the migration issue as well as seeking a solution to a new round of Cyprus talks.