Obama calls Germany "critical partner"
2009-06-05 09:56:42 GMT2009-06-05 17:56:42 (Beijing Time)
Xinhua English
Visiting U.S. President Barack Obama (L) holds a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Dresden, eastern Germany, on June 5, 2009. Obama said here on Friday that the closure of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp would take "longer process of evaluation." (Xinhua/Luo Huanhuan)
Visiting U.S. President Barack Obama answers a question during a news conference in Dresden, eastern Germany, on June 5, 2009. Obama said here on Friday that the closure of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp would take "longer process of evaluation." (Xinhua/Luo Huanhuan)
Visiting U.S. President Barack Obama (L) waves during a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Dresden, eastern Germany, on June 5, 2009. Obama said here on Friday that the closure of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp would take "longer process of evaluation." (Xinhua/Luo Huanhuan)
Visiting U.S. President Barack Obama (L) shakes hands with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a news conference in Dresden, eastern Germany, on June 5, 2009. Obama said here on Friday that the closure of the Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp would take "longer process of evaluation." (Xinhua/Luo Huanhuan)
DRESDEN, Germany, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday said that Germany is "a close friend and critical partner" of the United States and both sides will continue their cooperation on a series of international issues, including the Middle East, Iran and climate change.
Speaking at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Dresden, Obama dismissed widespread speculations in the German media about the allegedly lukewarm personal relations between himself and Merkel, stressing that his relatively short stay in Germany is mainly due to a busy schedule.
Speaking alongside with Obama, Merkel pledged continuing German cooperation with the United States on issues such as the Middle East peace and Iran.
