Obama to meet Merkel on global issues

U.S. President Barack Obama will host German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House on Feb. 9 to discuss a range of global issues, the White House said on Monday.

"Chancellor Merkel's visit highlights the importance of U.S.-German cooperation on global affairs and the strong and abiding friendship between the United States and Germany," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said in a statement.

Obama will have a meeting in the Oval Office with Merkel, and the two leaders will discuss a range of issues including Ukraine, Russia, counter-terrorism, the Islamic State, Afghanistan, and Iran, according to the spokesman.

The U.S. and some European countries have accused Russia of supporting rebels in eastern Ukraine and imposed tough sanctions on Russia over its "destabilizing moves."

As violence flared up in eastern Ukraine since the beginning of this year and after a series of setbacks of Ukrainian forces, U.S. media reported that the Obama administration is taking a fresh look at the question of providing "lethal assistance" to Kiev.

Apart from security issues, Obama and Merkel will also cover economic growth, international trade, climate change and Germany's plans for hosting the G-7 Summit in June, Earnest said.

"Germany is a close and valued ally, partner, and friend of the United States, and the President looks forward to welcoming Chancellor Merkel back to the White House," he added.

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