Obama to Host Germany's Merkel for State Visit

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama will host German Chancellor Angela Merkel for an official visit and state dinner in Washington on June 7, the White House said Monday.

"The president and the chancellor will discuss the broad array of issues on which the United States and Germany cooperate closely, including in Afghanistan, the Middle East, Iran, and on promoting human rights and global economic stability and growth," the White House said in a statement.

First Lady Michelle Obama will join in hosting the chancellor and her husband, Joachim Sauer, the White House said.

In 2010, Obama awarded Merkel, who grew up in East Germany and became united Germany's first woman chancellor, the Medal of Freedom -- the highest U.S civilian honor. Obama will give her the award when she comes in June, the White House said.

(Reporting by Jeff Mason, Editing by Sandra Maler)