ceremonial. ladies and gentlemen, the president of the united states, and mrs. michelle obama. [background sounds] [background sounds] [background sounds] [background sounds] [background sounds] [background sounds] [background sounds] [background sounds] ladies and gentlemen, the national anthem of the federal republic of germany, followed by the national anth of the uned states. [background sounds] [background sounds] [background sounds] [background sounds] [background sounds] .. [cheers and applause] [background sounds] [background sounds] muck many. after meeting in the oval office, president obama and chancellor merkel took questions in the eastern room of the white house. ladies and gentlemen, the president of the united states and the federal chancellor of the republic of germany. good morning again. it is an honor to welcome my good friend, and partner, chancellor merkel, back to the white