Statement by the Press Secretary.

Visit of Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany

WASHINGTON -- President and Mrs. Bush will host Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany at their ranch in Crawford, Texas on November 9 and 10, 2007. The President looks forward to continuing his close consultations with the Chancellor on shared

goals such as advancing NATO's agenda, promoting stability and reconstruction in Afghanistan, advancing Israeli-Palestinian peace, ending the violence in Darfur, combating international terrorism, encouraging Iran to suspend nuclear activities, defending democratic gains in Lebanon, finalizing the status of Kosovo, promoting global free trade and further transatlantic economic integration, and working together to address energy security and climate change.