Uniting Forces: Merz and Trump's Initiative to Resolve Trading Disputes and Ukrainian Crisis Quickly
Merz and Trump aim for prompt resolution of trade disagreement via initial phone conversation
Connect: Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, E-Mail, Print, Copy Link
Two days following his inauguration, Merz and Trump discuss a potential diplomatic resolution for the ongoing Ukranian conflict and a swift conclusion to trading disputes.
Signs of peaceful negotiations in the trade squabble, joint cooperation in Ukraine, and reciprocal invitations to America and Germany: these were the final outcomes of the inaugural chat between newly appointed Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump. Sources close to the government described the conversation as "remarkably amicable, laid-back, and courteous."
Politicking Hunters suggest Putin's position "was undervalued in the US."
The call transpired on Thursday evening, two days following Merz's election in the Bundestag. Trump expressed congratulations, according to the German side of the conversation. Merz affirmed to the President that the US would remain Germany's "essential ally and partner."
The main topic of their 30-minute dialogue revolved around Ukraine. Both parties agreed to join forces to terminate the Russian invasion. Spokesperson Stefan Kornelius explained that the Chancellor echoed the President's demand: an immediate end to the violence in Ukraine. Russia must now agree to a ceasefire, allowing for negotiations to commence. Trump guaranteed his firm support of Germany's efforts, teaming up with France, Britain, Poland, and other European allies to ensure lasting peace.
Trading Blows to Cease
The second subject broached was the trade clash between the US and the EU. Trump and Merz agreed to address and resolve the disputes between the US and the EU promptly. However, a resolution remains beyond reach. Shortly before the call, the EU Commission announced they were preparing additional tariffs on US exports, amounting to 95 billion euros, in the event that negotiations with Washington fail to produce a settlement.
Politicking Hunter suspects, "The US has cold feet for Merz as the Chancellor."
A 90-day ultimatum set by Trump for EU accommodations expires in July. If a deal is not struck, Trump intends to impose profound new tariffs on EU imports. These tariffs will augment the existing ones he has already implemented.
Prior to the call, Merz dismissed US government criticism of the German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution's categorization of the AfD as "undoubtedly right-wing extremist." He advocated for the EU and the US to eliminate all tariffs and championed the expansion of the mutual recognition of technological standards. "I don't wish to witness a full-blown trade war," he stated.
Merz Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Trump
Merz and Trump were relative strangers before their meeting. Their only prior encounter occurred years ago in New York. According to sources from German government circles, Merz extended an invitation for Trump to visit Germany. In doing so, Merz addressed Trump's German heritage, mentioning that he knew the hometown of Trump's ancestors: Kallstadt on the Wine Route in Rhineland-Palatinate. Trump's grandparents emigrated from there to New York at the turn of the 20th century.
First Steps ntv Early Start believes Merz would gain respect from Trump Although Trump hinted at a potential trip to Germany, during his presidency, he has only been to Germany aside from brief visits to the Ramstein Airbase, for the 2017 G20 summit.**
In reciprocity, Trump extended an invitation for Merz to visit the US. The Chancellor has openly expressed his desire to travel to the US prior to the G7 and NATO summits in June, within the next six weeks. These gatherings are scheduled to take place in Canada in mid-June, followed by the NATO summit in The Hague.
Source: ntv.de, ino/als/dpa/rts
- Friedrich Merz
- Donald Trump
- Ukrainian Conflict
- Tariffs
- The initial conversation between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Donald Trump revolved around a potential diplomatic resolution for the ongoing Ukrainian conflict and a swift conclusion to trading disputes.
- Both Merz and Trump agreed to join forces to terminate the Russian invasion in Ukraine, with Trump guaranteeing his firm support of Germany’s efforts in collaboration with France, Britain, Poland, and other European allies.
- In reciprocity, Trump extended an invitation for Merz to visit the US, with the Chancellor expressing his desire to travel to the US prior to the G7 and NATO summits in June.
- The second subject broached was the trade clash between the US and the EU. Merz advocated for the elimination of all tariffs and the mutual recognition of technological standards to prevent a full-blown trade war.
