U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will travel to the United Kingdom and Germany from June 17 to June 19, the White House said Friday. According to a statement from White House spokesman Jay Carney, Obama will reinforce the importance the United States places on transatlantic ties and consult with leaders on security challenges and the global economy. "The President's trip will begin in Belfast, where he will engage with the people of Northern Ireland and highlight the hard work, dialogue, and institutional development they have undertaken together," Carney said. "The President will then attend the G-8 Summit at Lough Erne, Northern Ireland, hosted by Prime Minister Cameron, from June 17 to 18. The Summit and related meetings will provide the President and his fellow world leaders an opportunity to address pressing economic, political, and security challenges around the globe and to promote the advancement of trade and greater transparency among G-8 members and the developing world." "Following the G-8, at the invitation of Chancellor Angela Merkel, the President will travel to Berlin, Germany for an official visit to reaffirm the strong ties between the United States and Germany, our vital ally and economic partner. The President looks forward to meeting with the Chancellor and President Joachim Gauck to discuss a wide range of bilateral and global issues including opportunities to further deepen transatlantic relations," Carney said.
