WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama will host his Italian counterpart Giorgio Napolitano, whose term ends in May, at his Oval Office next month, the White House said on Wednesday.

"The president looks forward to welcoming President Napolitano to pay a farewell call and further reinforce the strong and enduring bonds between our two countries," the White House said in a brief statement.

Napolitano is scheduled to meet with Obama on Feb. 15 at the White House.

The 87-year-old president started his seven-year term in May 2006.