The Hill News

French President Nicolas Sarkozy will visit President Obama in Washington on Monday, the White House said this morning.

Sarkozy will be the second major world leader to come to Washington this month; Chinese President Hu Jintao will make an official state visit on January 19.

The Obama administration framed Sarkozy's visit as meant in part to preview France's assumption of the presidency of the G-8 and G-20 in the coming year.

"As France assumes the presidency of the G-8 and the G-20 for 2011, the President looks forward to working with President Sarkozy to sustain the global economic recovery and create jobs," the White House said in a statement announcing the visit. "The two presidents will also discuss a broad range of current foreign policy and security issues."

There was no word as to whether France's first lady, Carla Bruni, would accompany Sarkozy in his visit to Washington. Bruni and first lady Michelle Obama are often com! pared for their sense in fashion.

When Sarkozy last traveled to Washington, he stopped at the landmark Ben's Chili Bowl.