Chillin' with Chancellor Merz: Trump's First Call - Aiming to Squash Trade Disputes and End Ukraine Conflict
Trump and Merz aim for swift resolution in trade disagreement
Two days into his reign, Chancellor Friedrich Merz had a chat with President Donald Trump. In regards to Ukraine, they united forces, calling for an immediate end to the war and quick resolution of the trade spat.
Following Trump's inauguration, Merz and the new US leader had a thirty-minute conversation, where they agreed on the need for rapid trade dispute resolution. Spokesman Stefan Kornelius remarked that both leaders aim for close cooperation to put an end to the Ukrainian conflict, with Trump voicing his support, alongside France, Britain, Poland, and other Euro buddies, for Germany's efforts to secure lasting peace [2].
EU vs USA: Tensions Rise if Trade Talks Fail
Trump showered Merz with congrats on his inauguration, while Merz asserted that the US remains a crucial ally and partner for Germany, 80 years after the World War II armistice [2][3]. While there's no confirmation on the details, it's rumored that Merz extended a friendly invite to the White House, and Trump showed signs he might accept [4][5].
End the Ukraine War, Now!
Topping the agenda was Ukraine. Both Merz and Trump expressed a desire to collaborate swiftly to prevent Russian aggression, as well as urging an immediate cessation of the bloodshed in Ukraine [2]. To make space for negotiations, Russia must be coaxed into agreeing to a ceasefire [2].
Merz's First Big Test - A call with Trump
Before the G7 summit in Canada and the NATO summit, Merz hinted that a potential meeting with Trump will be carefully choreographed with French President Macron and Polish PM Donald Tusk [5]. He previously dismissed US criticism of Germany's labeling of the AfD party as "undeniably right-wing extremist" and proposed pursuing the cancellation of all tariffs to avoid sliding into an all-out trade war [1][3].
In addition, Merz stressed the significance of boosting technological standard recognition between the US and Europe [1][3].
Sources: ntv.de, as/AFP/rts
- Friedrich Merz
- Donald Trump
- Attack on Ukraine
- Tariffs
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Donald Trump, in their first conversation, agreed on the urgent need for a resolution to the trade disputes and an immediate end to the conflict in Ukraine.
- In a move signaling close cooperation, Merz extended a friendly invitation to the White House, which Trump appears to be considering accepting.
- Both Merz and Trump expressed a desire to collaborate swiftly to prevent Russian aggression in Ukraine and cease the bloodshed, calling for a Russian ceasefire to make room for negotiations.
- In preparation for the G7 and NATO summits, Merz plans to coordinate closely with French President Macron and Polish PM Donald Tusk, possibly including a potential meeting with Trump.
- To avoid sliding into a full-blown trade war, Merz proposed the cancellation of all tariffs, emphasizing the importance of boosting technological standard recognition between the US and Europe.
