George and Amal Clooney meet Angela Merkel to discuss refugee crisis


Ainhoa Barcelona
Content Managing Editor
February 12, 2016

George and Amal Clooney may be in Berlin to promote the actor's new film Hail, Caesar! but on Friday the couple carried out a very important meeting off the red carpet. George and his wife Amal, a barrister who specialises in international law and human rights, were invited to a private meeting with German chancellor Angela Merkel.

The trio, who met to discuss the war in Syria and the migration crisis in Europe, were joined by former UK foreign secretary David Miliband, who now heads the aid group International Rescue Committee.

The main topics of discussion were refugee policies, involvement in the IRC's work and what countries around the world can do to solve "what is a global problem, not just a Syrian problem or a German issue," Mr Miliband told reporters.

© Photo: Rex

George and Amal Clooney met Angela Merkel to talk about the refugee crisis

The Clooneys were also said to be planning a visit to a refugee centre later that day.

The refugee crisis has clearly been on the actor's mind, as George spoke to reporters on the red carpet the night before, admitting that the US must "do more" to alleviate the crisis in Europe.

"The US needs to do more," George told Sky News. "Taking 10,000 refugees a year is not enough, that's clear."

© Photo: Getty Images

The couple were spotted leaving the Chancellery on Friday

Germany in comparison has welcomed approximately 1.1 million asylum seekers in 2015 alone, abiding by Ms Merkel's so-called "open-door" policy.

George's new movie, which is directed by the Coen brothers, opened the Berlinale International Film Festival on Thursday night.

Amal and George are in Berlin to promote the actor's new film Hail, Caesar! 

Looking dapper in a black tux, the 54-year-old was joined by his stunning wife Amal, who wore a floor-length, vintage 1981 Yves Saint Laurent dress. The black silk gown from WilliamVintage featured a full-over tulle skirt, dainty straps and was covered in over 10,000 black sequins.

The photogenic couple looked loved up as they arrived at the glamorous event, holding hands and stopping to share sweet glances.

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