20.05.12: On Sunday morning, before the summit, Chancellor Angela Merkel met Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy (3rd from left.). The main topic was the financial crisis in the EU.
At lunchtime the Chancellor arrived at the McCormick Place Convention Center for the opening of the summit.
She was welcomed by President Obama (at right) and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
The first working session began with a ceremony to honour the NATO troops currently deployed.
Initial talks concentrated on NATO's military capacities and the situation in Afghanistan.
After the working session Angela Merkel met the Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski for a bilateral meeting.
The NATO heads of state and government met at the Soldier Field Football Stadium for a working dinner
President Obama (at left) and the British Prime Minister David Cameron (bottom right) greet the Chancellor as participants gather for the traditional family photo.
The Greek-style memorial at the eastern side of the football stadium was built to commemorate US soldiers who have fallen in wars.
The traditional family photo
Angela Merkel and François Hollande pose again for the photographers.