United States and Germany remain ‘close friends’The trip is likely to be Merkel’s last visit to the White House before she steps down in September at the end of a 16-year term as German Chancellor. READ ALSO: ‘History’: Merkel visits White House for last time as ChancellorBiden thanked Merkel for her “strong leadership role” over the past decade and a half. Merkel and Biden discussed Nord Stream 2 and the easing of Covid-19 travel restrictions for people travelling from Germany to the United States. Discussions are currently being held on how the travel restrictions could be lifted soon. Biden wrote on Twitter on Thursday evening: “It was an honour to have my dear friend, Chancellor Merkel, in the White House.”

Source: The Local July 16, 2021 09:33 UTC