Biden hosts Merkel at the White House on 15 July

The White House has said US President Joe Biden will welcome German Chancellor Angela Merkel on 15 July, with the goal of “deepening bilateral ties”.

Biden's spokeswoman, Jen Psaki, has announced the meeting, while both leaders have only met on 11 June at the summit of the group of the world's seven most industrialized nations (G7).

Questions about transatlantic co-operation on issues related to Russia, Iran and China are part of the summit agenda at G7, in addition to other aspects.

German participation in completing the North Stream pipeline 2, worth 11 billion dollars, which transports Russian gas to Europe, has complicated relations between the two NATO allies, and has hampered efforts to improve ties since Biden took office in January this year.

Psaki has said that in July, Merkel and Biden will discuss their commitment to closer co-operation in a series of challenges, including ending pandemic, addressing the threat of climate change and promoting international economic prosperity and security based on our common democratic values”.

Merkel, the Chancellor who has long led Germany, will be the third leader to be hosted by Beden since the latter has been elected 46th president of the United States.

Biden has so far hosted leaders from Japan and South Korea, making Merkel the first European leader to visit Beden at the White House. / REL