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Trump and Scholz Pledge to Work for Peace in Europe
US President-elect Donald Trump spoke by phone with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday, in a conversation that both leaders described as focused on strengthening transatlantic relations and tackling geopolitical challenges. According to a statement from the German government, the two leaders "agreed to work together towards a return to peace in Europe."
Chancellor Scholz, who is currently navigating a political crisis in Germany and preparing for snap elections in early 2025, offered his congratulations to Trump for the second time since the election. Scholz's spokesman, Steffen Hebestreit, said the conversation covered a range of topics, including the future of German-American relations and the ongoing international tensions exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.
"The Chancellor emphasized the importance of continuing the longstanding and successful cooperation between our two countries," Hebestreit said. "Both leaders agreed on the necessity of working together to bring about peace and stability in Europe."
Trump’s election has raised concerns in some European capitals about the direction of US foreign policy, especially regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump has consistently expressed a desire to end the war quickly, often suggesting that the US should pull back from its multi-billion-dollar support for Kyiv. During his campaign, Trump vowed to seek a swift resolution to the conflict, although his specific plans remain unclear.
Reports also emerged earlier Sunday that Trump had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him not to escalate the war. Trump’s representatives did not respond to requests for comment from AFP.
During his presidency, Trump was critical of Germany's defense spending and frequently clashed with NATO allies over trade and military contributions. Despite these past tensions, Scholz has made clear his commitment to maintaining strong ties with the United States. On Wednesday, the Chancellor had already congratulated Trump and expressed the need for continued close cooperation, saying in a message to Trump: "We're better off together. Together, we can achieve much more than against each other."
Scholz, who plans to run for re-election in 2025, has expressed his commitment to reinforcing European unity and upholding transatlantic alliances in the face of ongoing global challenges.