Washington - President-elect Barack Obama spoke with world leaders by telephone on Thursday, two days after his election and ahead of next week's financial summit of the Group of 20 countries in Washington.

Obama spoke with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, Mexican President Felipe Calderon and South Korean President Lee, broadcaster CNN reported.

Obama is expected to meet with several foreign leaders during a summit of 20 nations November 14-15 in Washington to address the global financial crisis.

The White House has not said whether Obama will be a full participant in the summit, but he is expected to be briefed on the meetings. (dpa)