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Obama and Merkel's 'special relationship' in pictures

The Local Germany
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Obama and Merkel's 'special relationship' in pictures
Photo: DPA

When Barack Obama first took up office, Chancellor Angela Merkel reportedly thought he was a big talker. Since then a beautiful relationship has developed. We read slightly too much into it.

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Former President George W. Bush didn't exactly leave huge boots to fill when it came to impressing the most powerful woman in the world, after he famously tried to give Merkel a very unwanted back rub during a G8 summit.

Essentially all Obama needed to do was not be a weird creep.

But the relationship didn't start all that easily. According to the New Yorker, the demur Merkel initially thought the eloquent senator for Illinois was all style and no substance.

So it was all business when the two met in 2008 while Obama was still running for election. 

Photo: DPA.

And when Obama tried to crack an ice breaker shortly after being inaugurated, Merkel didn't quite know how to react.

Photo: DPA.

But the Queen of Berlin soon warmed to his charms.

Photo: DPA.

Before long, she could barely keep her hands off him...

Photo: DPA.

She started whispering secrets like the naughty kid at the back of class...

Photo: DPA.

...the atmosphere only became awkward when Barack's significant other was around.

Photo: DPA.

Although, Merkel sure liked to rub it in when the President bent in for a kiss.

Photo: DPA.

It wasn't all tender touches and bashful smiles, though.

When Merkel found out American spies were tapping her phone she seriously considered taking out a restraining order.

Photo: DPA.

President Obama, too, would come to know what it felt like to stand in Michelle's shoes.

Photo: DPA.

But in the end, Angie realized that nobody else found her robot dance quite so funny...

Photo: DPA.

...and that he was the only one she could laugh with at Vladimir Putin's boasts about the breadth of his... popularity.

Photo: DPA.

Photo: DPA.

 
So when the two world leaders met in Hanover earlier this year, it felt like a farewell tour with all the best bits.

There was the comedy double act...

..,reassuring touches...

...and, of course, plenty of kissing.

The only question which remains - with Obama leaving office at the beginning of 2017, is this the last time we will see them walking down an aisle together?

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