US President Joe Biden has welcomed German Chancellor Angela Merkel to the White House, in what appears to be his last official visit carrying a heavy German delegation.
Among other things, the veteran German leader today is expected to table a number of issues, including a debate on China's rise and the US-European gas pipeline project, which is being opposed by the United States. Other issues include climate change, the distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine as well as the fate of Afghanistan at a time when the US, Germany, and other forces are leaving the country.
During the visit, Chancellor Merkel will also hold talks with Vice President Kamala Harris and other senior US officials ahead of her face-to-face talks with President Biden.
Merkel awarded an honorary degree in philosophy.
After their afternoon meeting, Biden and his delegation to the White House will hold a press conference and then the president has planned to organize a dinner to show his respect for Ms. Merkel and her husband Joachim Sauer. But Merkel will also be awarded an honorary degree of philosophy18 from Johns Hopkins University where she is also scheduled to address the university.
A senior official from the German Institute for International Affairs and Security Relations based in Berlin, Johannes Thimm, said in his farewell visit to Merkel that he would present a message of strong ties between Germany and the United States. After 16 years of working with Merkel, a large number of US government officials and other nations are wondering what course Germany will take after the next national election, Thimm said.
The Merkel CDU is leading in a referendum ahead of the September 26 general election, but that of The Green environmentalists and the left-wing moderate Social Democrats SPD, are also vying for the next German government.
