Pompeo, Merkel Stress Importance of Cooperation

During a press conference, Merkel said Germany wants to play an “active role” in solving problems around the world, citing the conflicts in Afghanistan, Syria, Libya and Ukraine as examples.

“Today we have other challenges ahead of us, but we remain allies and partners who are dedicating themselves to the problems in the world. And this will also set the tone for our talks: the conflict in Afghanistan, the conflicts in Russia and Ukraine, the question of the future in Syria, the question of peace in Libya, all these things are topics that we will look at today and where I would like to say that Germany wants to play an active role in solving these problems,” she said.

Pompeo, meanwhile, said that despite the current challenges in the world, Washington values its close ties to Berlin.

“I want everyone to know that we will work on these (global problems) together,” Pompeo said. “I saw the defense minister’s statement about increasing Germany’s contribution to NATO over time. We think that is powerful because we think the relationship with NATO matters and we need everyone working together to make sure that it remains a potent force for good in the world.”