German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to meet with US President Donald Trump, focusing on building a personal rapport amidst tensions around Ukraine and potential trade conflicts. Merz, a committed transatlanticist, aims to enhance Germany's NATO defense spending to appeal to Trump while advocating for a self-assured European Union in trade negotiations. Despite concerns over past diplomatic encounters, both leaders are optimistic, having developed a friendly relationship through prior communications, with Merz recognized for his economic potential and collaborative spirit.
"Germany is the third largest economy in the world, and we have a lot to offer as an economic partner of the USA," Kornelius said.
"At the same time, a very constructive and positive relationship with America is very important to us, for our own economy and for the security of Germany and Europe."
Merz will hope his pledges to massively boost Germany's NATO defence spending will please Trump, and that he can find common ground on confronting Russia after the mercurial US president voiced growing frustration with President Vladimir Putin.
Merz is looking ahead to his first in-person meeting with Trump "with great calmness and joy", his spokesman Stefan Kornelius said, pointing to their "very good relationship" so far.
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