White House confirms Bush-Schroeder meeting for June 27

WASHINGTON - The White House on Friday confirmed that President George W. Bush plans to welcome German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder on June 27.
The visit had already been announced by a German source.
"Germany is a strong ally and partner of the United States, working with us to advance freedom and reform, promote prosperity and development, and counter terrorism and proliferation around the world," said Trent Duffy, a White House spokesman.
"Germany has played a leading role in the international effort to assist the Afghan people with security, developing the police and reconstructing their nation," he said, adding: "Building on their February 2005 meeting in Mainz, Germany, the two leaders intend to continue their discussion about how the United States and Europe can work together on a broad agenda of global issues."
Schroeder aides had said the two would meet at the White House ahead of a working dinner.

05/20/2005 17:56 GMT