WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama on Wednesday called General David Petraeus on the occasion of his retirement from military, welcoming him to the directorship of Central Intelligence Agency that he will assume next week.

According to the White House, Obama congratulated Petraeus "on an historic career of service in the United States Army, including extraordinary contributions to our national security in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Petraeus has served as commander of US forces in both nations. He hung up his uniform in a ceremony earlier Wednesday.

Obama also welcomed Petraeus' "continued commitment to public service as he prepares to take on his new role as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency."

Petraeus will take over the spy agency next week.