Obama tells Morsi of US commitment to transition to democracy

President Barack Obama spoke with Egyptian President Mohammad Morsi on Tuesday "to reaffirm the United States' strong commitment to the Egyptian people as they continue their transition to democracy," the White House announced. "The President welcomed President Morsi's commitment to serving as a president for all Egyptians, including women and people of all faiths, and emphasized President Morsi's responsibility to protect the democratic principles that the Egyptian people fought so hard to secure," the statement said. Obama encouraged Morsi, and all political groups within Egypt, to work to build consensus and advance the political transition, it said. The two leaders also discussed Egypt's economic situation and the importance of implementing reforms that have broad support and will promote long-term growth, it said. "The two presidents discussed regional security, and President Obama welcomed Egypt's continued role in advancing regional peace and maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza," the statement said. Obama noted that US Secretary of State John Kerry would travel on March 2 to Egypt, where he would meet with government and opposition leaders and members of civil society, "and will emphasize the need for all Egyptians to work together to build their democracy and promote economic stability and prosperity," the White House said.