German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder will meet with U.S. President George W. Bush in February at the White House for the first time in more than two years. In a statement, Bush said he was looking forward to the meeting with Schröder expected to deal with bilateral and global issues. Bush also praised Germany’s contribution in securing peace in Afghanistan. Relations between the two countries soured last year because of Schröder’s staunch opposition to the U.S.-led Iraq war. The two leaders are expected to meet on Feb. 27.