Statement by the Press Secretary: President Bush to Welcome German Chancellor Merkel to the White House

The President will welcome German Chancellor Angela Merkel to the White House on May 3, 2006. Under Chancellor Merkel's leadership, Germany has worked closely with the United States to strengthen a transatlantic partnership committed to advancing freedom and prosperity around the world. The two leaders look forward to continuing their discussions on global challenges, including preventing Iran from acquiring the capability to make nuclear weapons, promoting peace and democratic reform in the Middle East, securing Afghanistan's reconstruction, advancing democracy in Eastern Europe and Africa, strengthening NATO, as well as promoting free trade and energy security.