Notwithstanding Germany’s abstention from the UN Security Council resolution on Libya, US President Barack Obama termed it as a world leader and praised Berlin for playing an important role in the democratic transition currently underway in North Africa.

“Germany is playing an important role in responding to the democratic transitions that are underway in North Africa,” was on Monday quoted as saying by “Der Tagesspiegel” on the eve of German chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to the United States.

“I look forward to discussing with the chancellor how we can enhance our work together to more effectively address the changes underway in the region, including in Libya,” Obama said.

“Germany is already a global leader and we are in constant contact with one other to coordinate our efforts,” he said.

Obama said Germany has some 7,000 troops deployed in several operations around the world and they make a significant contribution to international peace and security.

“We especially appreciate its contributions to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, where Germany provides some 5,000 troops, making it the third largest national contingent.”

“In addition, Germany commands the entire northern region, heads two provincial reconstruction teams, and provides the logistical support base for all ISAF forces in the area, including several thousand US troops."

The US President said “our hearts go out to the families of the more than 50 German soldiers” who have given their lives, including several in recent weeks.

On Libya, “there is no harder decision. To commit one’s military men and women to armed conflict.

“We appreciate Germany’s support for Nato operations in all theatres, from the Balkans to Afghanistan, off the Horn of Africa and in Libya.

“As a member of Nato, Germany is part of Nato’s command structure and makes meaningful contributions to all Nato operations,” he said.

Obama also commended Germany for recently deploying its AWACS surveillance planes in Afghanistan to free other Nato members’ pilots and aircraft for the Nato operation in Libya.

The President said he consults Merkel on every important issue on his international agenda and he appreciates the German chancellor's pragmatism and straight talk.

“We don’t always agree on everything; no two allies do. But in our meetings and discussions, we always speak honestly and openly, as close friends should, and I believe that our approach to shared challenges is stronger because of it.”

Obama said, “I firmly believe that issues facing the world on Monday require that we act together. As I have said before, our relationship with Europe is the cornerstone of our engagement with the world and a catalyst for global action.

“Germany is at the centre of Europe, and the cooperation between the United States and Germany is central to everything we hope to accomplish in the world “ said the US President.

Obama said he considers Merkel as a good friend and one of his closest global partners. "That’s one of the reasons her visit to Washington will be the first official visit and state dinner for a European leader during my presidency.

“This will be the 10th time we have had face-to-face discussions since I became President and that’s in addition to our frequent conversations by telephone and video teleconference."

Both the US and Germany have faced many challenges together “since my first day in office, and I’m personally very grateful to chancellor Merkel for her friendship and partnership,” he added.