Obama offers praise for German leader after White House meeting

Obama says Merkel smart, trustworthy

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is describing his German counterpart as “smart,” and he adds that he can trust what she says.

His warm words followed a Friday meeting at the White House with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Obama spoke of the “great warmth and affection” with which he says he’s been received by the people of Germany. And he says he’ll “always have a warm spot for Germany” — partly because he likes its leader.

Following their meeting, Obama and Merkel spoke of their shared commitment to the fight against global warming, and to reforming the world’s financial system. They also spoke of their shared battle against terrorism and for Mideast peace.