German Chancellor Angela Merkel will meet the President of the United States (US), Joe Biden, at the White House on Thursday to reset transatlantic relations as she plans to step down from office after Germany’s general elections in September.
White House spokesperson Jen Psaki called the meeting an “official working visit” to promote partnership between the two countries. An official from Berlin reiterated the stance.
As key North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies, both sides are likely to discuss business relations with China, the Nord Stream 2 pipeline between Russia and Germany, COVID-19 travel restrictions between Europe and the US, and the patent waiver for the production of COVID vaccines initiated by India and South Africa along with other countries at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Earlier, Merkel said that the probability of solving the dispute regarding the Nord Stream 2 pipeline with the US remains slim. The US fears Europe’s dependence on Russian gas and believes that the gas line project will harm its allies and the bloc’s energy security. In this regard, Merkel has expressed willingness to discuss the issue during the meeting and find common ground.
Biden and Merkel are also likely to discuss the deteriorating state of democracy across the globe, the alarming security situation in Afghanistan, Iran’s re-accession to the nuclear deal, steps to counter cyberattacks originating from Russia and its territorial aggression in Eastern Europe and Crimea, and China’s growing technological dominance. Officials from both governments have also indicated talks on the ongoing pandemic and climate change.
On the US and Germany’s relationship, former US ambassador to Germany John Emerson said, “The relationship remains indispensable for Washington given Germany’s role as the largest economy in Europe and a NATO ally, and its importance as a bridge-builder in dealing with Russia, the Middle East and North Africa.” On the other hand, Peter Beyer, the Transatlantic Coordinator for Germany, said, “Germans were aware that there was only a limited time available to move forward, given the risk that Biden could be weakened after the 2022 elections since Biden’s party holds a weak majority in the US Congress.”
The diplomatic relationship between Germany and the US tanked during Donald Trump’s term in office. During his tenure, Trump consistently threatened NATO allies with the US troop reduction if they failed to increase spending. In addition, in 2019, the former President targeted Merkel for not meeting the spending goal set at the 2014 NATO summit in Wales. CNBC reported a senior German government official saying, “Obviously, over the past years, we had several fits and starts in the bilateral relationship. The entire focus was on issues where we disagreed.” Therefore, Merkel and Biden’s meeting is an opportunity for both nations to mend their strained bilateral relations.
Meanwhile, Merkel’s Thursday schedule also includes breakfast with US Vice-President Kamala Harris, followed by a one-on-one with Biden and dinner at the White House. Merkel might also advise her US counterpart about what to expect from the next German administration.
What to Expect: Merkel-Biden Meet
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is set to discuss bilateral ties and transatlantic partnership with US President Joe Biden at the White House on Thursday.
July 15, 2021
SOURCE: ASIA TIMES