German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will leave for Washington next week to meet with US President Donald Trump, who will discuss war and trade tensions in Ukraine, according to the Associated Press.
The Merz office said that the new German leader, who took over the world's largest economy on May 6, will meet with Trump in the White House on Thursday, which will be the first personal meeting between them.
The meeting will focus on bilateral relations and international issues, such as the war in Ukraine, the Middle East and trade policy, the statement said.
Since assuming the position of German leader, Many have made diplomatic efforts to ensure a ceasefire and to maintain the support of the West to Ukraine. On Wednesday, he hosted Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenky in Berlin.
Germany has personal interest in mitigating the trade tensions between the European Union and the United States.
Trump threatened to set 50% customs duties on goods imported from 27 member states, but then postponed the term until July 9.
