WASHINGTON, May 9 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barrack Obama Sunday discussed with French President Nicolas Sarkozy about the economic situation in Europe.

"President Obama spoke with President Sarkozy as part of his ongoing engagement with European leaders with regard to the economic situation there," said the White House in a statement.

"They discussed the importance of the members of the European Union taking resolute steps to build confidence in the markets," it added.

Earlier Sunday, Obama also called German Chancellor Angela Merkel when he arrived at Hampton University's commencement ceremony.

The two leaders also urged EU countries to take "resolute steps " to build confidence in the markets. Obama and Merkel also held telephone talks on Friday.

After Friday's talks, Obama told reporters that he and Merkel had agreed on the importance of a strong policy response to the European debt crisis.

"We agreed on the importance of a strong policy response by the affected countries and a strong financial response from the international community," Obama said.

"I made clear the United States supports these efforts and we' ll continue to cooperate with European authorities and the IMF during this critical period," he added.