Baghdad - US president-elect Barak Obama has told the Iraqi prime minister he will implement the security agreement between the two countries and is ready to cooperate in fighting terrorism and insurgents in Iraq, national television reported on Thursday.

Obama told Nuri al-Maliki in a phone conversation on Wednesday night that the two countries have entered "a new phase" in their relations after the signing of the security deal in November.

Thw agreement calls for US forces to pull back from Iraqi towns and cities by the end of June 2009, and for a complete withdrawal from Iraq by the end of 2011.

Obama also praised the government's role in increasing security in Iraq and said that he will visit Iraq after he takes office, the report said. (dpa)