German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Washington next week to meet U.S. President Donald Trump and discuss a wide range of topics. Deputy government spokesperson Sebastian Hille told the dts news agency on Friday that the agenda is straightforward: bilateral relations, the security situation, as well as trade and competition issues-all of which he said require discussion to maintain a close and positive contact.
The ongoing customs dispute is also “naturally on the agenda” Hille added, though he didn’t specify what Merz might offer the president on that matter. Hille also hinted that Merz may again bring a small gift for the president, saying, “Let yourself be surprised”.
Merz will leave for the United States on Monday and is expected back in Berlin by Tuesday. No trade delegation is accompanying him, and it remains unclear whether he will hold other meetings in Washington. Hille noted that such plans “are still up in the air until the end”.