Obama to meet with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Copenhagen

President Obama’s agenda at the Copenhagen climate talks Friday will include a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, the White House announced Thursday evening.

China and the U.S. are the world’s top two emitters of greenhouse gases, and have been at odds over to what extent China will allow outside verification of its pledged emissions curbs – a dispute that has threatened to derail the summit.

A senior administration official, in a conference call with reporters Thursday afternoon, said there has been progress in the negotiations.

“There was indications today that they have begun to move on that issue and we look forward to working with them to try and resolve that issue,” the official said.