BERLIN, Jan. 13 (Xinhuanet) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel will meet French leaders this month in Berlin and Paris, a government spokesman said here Friday.

    The German chancellor, who is currently on her first official visit to Washington, will hold talks with French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin in Berlin on Jan. 18, said deputy government spokesman Thomas Steg.

    Their talks will mainly cover bilateral, European Union and International issues, Steg said.

    He said on 23, Merkel will be on her second trip after becoming chancellor to Paris to meet French President Jacques Chirac.

    Merkel has vowed to keep close ties with European nations and the United States. Enditem