U.S. President George W. Bush discussed on Thursday his new plan on Iraq through telephone with Saudi King Abdullah, White House national security spokesman Gordon Johndroe said.

They talked about U.S. new strategy announced on Wednesday night and forthcoming visit by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to the Middle East, and other regional issues, Johndroe said.

On Rice mideast trip, the spokesman said "She's going there to have numerous meetings," but did not offer any details.

"Let's see the results, outcomes of those discussions.... I think everyone in the region understands what is at stake and what needs to be done," Johndroe added.

Bush on Wednesday night announced his plan to send more than 20, 000 additional American troops to Iraq in a bid to stabilize the situation in the war-torn Arab country which has been bogged down with sectarian war.

Saudi Arabia, an American ally in the Middle East, denied last month reports that the Sunni-dominated kingdom would step in to back the Sunnis in Iraq's sectarian conflict.

Source: Xinhua