President Barack Obama talked with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in his last call to a world leader on Thursday, thanking her and her husband, Joachim Sauer, "for their personal friendship," the White House said.
A summary of the conversation released by the administration noted that first lady Michelle Obama joined in the call.
"The President thanked Chancellor Merkel for her strong, courageous, and steady leadership," the summary added.
Merkel, 62, who first took office in 2005, is seeking a fourth term this fall. She has come under fire for her support of Syrian refugees fleeing from areas controlled by the Islamic State.
"Given their eight years of friendship and partnership," the White House summary concluded, "the president noted that it was fitting that his final call with a foreign leader was with Chancellor Merkel, and he wished her the very best going forward."
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