President Obama spoke today by phone with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The President expressed his appreciation for the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to an expanded role in international efforts to destroy ISIL. They reviewed the ongoing discussions in New York of the International Syria Support Group and noted the recent progress made during meetings of the Syrian opposition in Riyadh. Separately, the President and Crown Prince agreed on the urgent need for all parties to adhere to the ceasefire in Yemen and use the UN-facilitated peace talks as an opportunity to advance a significant de-escalation of the fighting. Both leaders reiterated their desire to coordinate closely on these and related issues and agreed to remain in close contact.