10/02/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday, Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner held an exchange of view on the telephone with the new US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton. The conversation focused on the Middle East and Afghanistan. A Commission press release affirmed that with regard to Middle East, the Commissioner welcomed the appointment of the US Special Envoy, George Mitchell, and underlined the importance of ensuring freedom of access to humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. On Afghanistan, the two parties reiterated their determination to enhance their cooperation, “in the areas of good governance, rule of law and training of police”. (H.B./trans/rh)