Washington, July 15 (DPA) US President Barack Obama expressed hope Tuesday that Afghanistan can enter a 'different phase' after elections take place in August.

Obama said any exit strategy for US and NATO forces would have to be met with the Afghan people taking on greater responsibility for security and governing.

'My hope is that we will be able to begin transitioning into a different phase in Afghanistan,' he said while meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende.

Afghanistan's presidential election is scheduled for August 20.

Obama has stepped up the US presence in Afghanistan to counter a resurgent Taliban as he seeks to draw down the US role in Iraq. Four thousand US Marines moved into the southern Helmand province earlier this months to regain control over the Taliban stronghold.

Obama thanked Balkenende for his country's contributions in Afghanistan and its willingness to fight on the front lines of the conflict.