As two of the world's most powerful individuals, it's only natural that the relationship between Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Barack Obama is one of the closest in politics.

Their friendship has been one of the few uplifting constants in a dramatically transformed world of politics.

But goodbyes are hard, and with president-elect Trump preparing to move into the White House, Obama has been carrying out his final international tour — and he made sure Germany and Merkel were on the itinerary.

ABC quoted Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes as saying:" They've worked together on almost every issue. They've developed a deep mutual respect, I think, and close friendship as well... He wanted to see Chancellor Merkel one more time to thank her for her partnership and leadership."

The pair tackled the global financial crisis, promoted free trade, and forged an international accord to fight climate change. But like all good things, their time working together must come to an end. We've gathered some of the best pictures of Merkel and Obama's time together.

16 PHOTOS Heartwarming photos of President Obama and Chancellor Merkel's friendship See Gallery Heartwarming photos of President Obama and Chancellor Merkel's friendship HANOVER, GERMANY - APRIL 25: U.S. President Barack Obama (R) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) (L) look at a satellite at the Kentucky stand at the Hannover Messe industrial trade fair on April 25, 2016 in Hanover, Germany. This is likely Obama's last trip to Germany as U.S. president. The Hannover Messe is the world's largest industrial trade fair. (Photo by Adam Berry/Getty Images) Barack Obama and Angela Merkel met in an official capacity for one last time in Germany last week after Donald Trump won the US election. (Photo vi REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch) The pair formed a close bond during Obama's eight-year presidency. In this image, the German Chancellor clearly has a lot to say to her US counterpart during the G7 meeting overlooking the Alps in June 2015. (Photo via REUTERS/Michael Kappeler/Pool) Even when meetings may be overshadowed by serious topics, Merkel and Obama have found time to have fun. (Photo via REUTERS/Christian Hartmann) World leaders love virtual reality just as much as the rest of us. During a trade fair in Hanover, Germany, they got the opportunity to try out a VR headset — to their obvious amusement. (Photo via REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach) Merkel is one of the few leaders left among the US's closest allies who was in office when Obama became President in 2008. (Photo via REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque) In a joint press conference last week, he called Chancellor Merkel "an outstanding partner." (Source: The White House) (Photo via REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke) "In terms of our core values, in terms of her integrity, her truthfulness, her thoughtfulness, her doing her homework, knowing her facts... I think she's been outstanding." (Photo via REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch) In the same conference, Merkel expressed her sadness at Obama's departure, saying: "Now, taking leave from my partner and friend, well, yes, it is hard. If you've worked together with somebody very well, leave-taking is very difficult." (Photo via REUTERS/Larry Downing) The leaders have seen eye-to-eye on a number of issues, including maintaining sanctions against Russia over its role in Crimea, laying out an approach to the crisis in the Middle East, and in navigating the financial crisis. (Photo via REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque) "We all know that democracy lives off change," Merkel told press. "So in the United States of America, the Constitution has very clear stipulations on this — eight years and that's it." (Photo via REUTERS/Jim Young) But Merkel has shown that she is willing to cooperate with Trump. She said she will approach his presidency with "an open mind" in order to build on the trust that has been maintained between the two countries. (Photo via REUTERS/Jesco Dezel/Bundesregierung/Pool) She also took to Instagram to offer her congratulations, saying she will offer "close cooperation to the future president of the United States of America." (Photo by Adam Berry/Getty Images) But while Obama is preparing for his departure from the top office, Merkel recently announced that she will be running for office for a fourth consecutive term. (Photo via REUTERS/ Nicolas Asfonri/Pool) Merkel told reporters at last week's press conference in Germany that it is "a very good thing if, after eight years of cooperation, the President of the United States says that this is a cooperation based on friendship." (Source: Business Insider) (Photo via REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque) Cheers to that! (Photo via REUTERS/Larry Downing) Up Next See Gallery Discover More Like This HIDE CAPTION SHOW CAPTION of SEE ALL BACK TO SLIDE

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