Statement by the Press Secretary on the Visit of Danish Prime Minister Thorning-Schmidt

President Obama will host Prime Minister Thorning-Schmidt of Denmark for a meeting in the Oval Office on Friday, February 24.  Denmark and the United States are close NATO allies and the President looks forward to thanking the Prime Minister for Denmark’s important contribution to the NATO mission in Libya and for its continuing commitment to the ISAF operation in Afghanistan.  The two leaders will discuss preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in Chicago, including proposals for supporting the transition in Afghanistan, increasing Alliance defense capabilities, and advancing NATO’s relationships with key partners.  With Denmark currently holding the European Union presidency, the President and Prime Minister will talk about the recent European summit and the latest steps that Europe is taking to address its sovereign debt crisis.  The President and the Prime Minister will also discuss common efforts on counterterrorism, counterpiracy, green growth, economic development, Arctic cooperation and support for the democratic transitions in North Africa and the Middle East.