With a "Bavarian breakfast" of soft pretzels, oompah music and frothy beer, German Chancellor Angela Merkel treated US President Barack Obama to a folksy welcome Sunday, driving home the enduring strength of transatlantic ties. (Photo: AP)
A German government spokesman said they had discussed the Ukraine conflict, ties with Russia as well as the future of NATO and the proposed TTIP transatlantic trade deal. (Photo: AP)
Merkel described the United States as a "friend and essential partner" of Germany despite occasional "differences of opinion" -- a reference to an NSA spying scandal that has strained relations over the past two years. (Photo: AP)
As fighting in Ukraine flares and Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks to exploit any cracks in the united Western front on sanctions, Merkel treated Obama to a homely reception heavy on symbolism. (Photo: AP)
Obama said the G7 leaders would discuss a range of threats to the democratic order, including the need to stand "up to Russian aggression in Ukraine". (Photo: AP)
The two leaders signed the guestbook of Kruen, whose history stretches back to the 13th century, before taking the podium for remarks underlying their shared values. (Photo: AP)
After barrelling down mountain roads in a black sport utility vehicle, Obama emerged to greet Merkel, who was wearing a robin's egg blue blazer, with two kisses on her cheeks. He offered her husband, reclusive chemist Joachim Sauer, a handshake and
Storms overnight had washed the sky crystal blue as warm sunshine lit up the picture-book Alpine homes with sloped roofs, mountain-scene frescoes and geranium-lined wooden balconies. (Photo: AP)
Locals dressed in their finest traditional "Tracht" -- lederhosen (leather trousers) for the men, dirndl smocks for the women, and girls in dresses with their hair in neat plaits. (Photo: AP)
Before the other Group of Seven leaders got down to business at a summit at the luxury Elmau Castle resort nestled in the German Alps, close allies Merkel and Obama visited the idyllic nearby village of Kruen. (Photo: AP)
As fighting in Ukraine flares and Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks to exploit any cracks in the united Western front on sanctions, Merkel treated Obama to a homely reception heavy on symbolism. (Photo: AP)