In the US, don’t expect much from the meeting, trump and Merkel
According to analysts, the Chancellor of Germany began to seek a meeting in Washington because of the growing transatlantic tensions; it was initially planned that the meeting of leaders of the United States and Germany will be held in Europe.
WASHINGTON, March 17. /Offset. TASS Andrey Shitov/. Meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel — the main point of the working schedule on Friday, U.S. President Donald trump. Press Secretary of the White house Sean Spicer reminded of this at a regular briefing for journalists.
He pointed out that the two leaders will not only hold direct negotiations, but will also participate in “round table with leaders of the American and German business, dedicated to the great value of professional technical training”.
In the second half of the day, trump and Merkel hold a joint press conference.
Last “exchange of pleasantries”
In anticipation of the upcoming summit, the press and experts are wondering whether the President and the Chancellor to get along at their first meeting. Expectations are low, and scientists mainly rely on the fact that Merkel is known for its ability to keep in check emotions and to be, by definition, The Washington Post, “the main feature of his character — pragmatism”.
All of this may be necessary because, as many recall, during the election campaign in the US trump was highly critical of the Chancellor, was called “madness” of its policy towards the admission of refugees, predicted that voters will turn away from it, and even claimed that she was “ruining” Germany. However, Merkel has sent him a congratulation on his election victory in the United States, which, from the point of view of The same The Washington Post, “sounded as an admonition on the importance of democratic values.”
The value of the relationship
Of course, encouraging analysts and the real great importance of relations between the U.S. and Germany. “This is one of the most important moments in the beginning of the presidency, trump,” he said about the upcoming summit Bloomberg, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of state and current Harvard Professor Nicholas burns.
“She is probably the most important US ally in the world, he said, referring to Merkel. — She’s the most powerful leader in Europe, well ahead of the rest. It most effectively blocks the actions of (Russian President) Vladimir Putin.”
All this is consonant with official estimates of the White house. At a special press briefing held in anticipation of the visit of the German guests, senior representatives of the Washington administration called Germany “one of the most important allies and partners of the United States in the world.” They also pointed out that trump is “keen to hear the views of the Chancellor on her interactions with Putin.” The briefing was on the condition of anonymity.
“We need each other”
Merkel, judging by the comments, willing to forget past grievances and to meet new American partner. According to the testimony of the European edition of the Washington newspaper Politico, the Chancellor during the visit wants to bluntly convey to the President, one thought: “We need each other.”
“Forget all the speculation about the confrontation in the oval office — the newspaper writes. — Merkel, as if she personally had not belonged to the Trump goes to Washington to join with him in confrontation. It should win its location”.
“Never before have two-way contact didn’t matter to her as much as this Friday — continues to Politico. — Initially, it was assumed that these two leaders would not meet as long as trump doesn’t come later this year in Europe. But against the background of growing transatlantic tensions Merkel was to achieve an earlier meeting in Washington, and the President invited her. According to her aides, she was preparing for weeks on end”.
Bloomberg said that the Chancellor, in particular, meticulously asked about communication with trump canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The main theme
“Trump” Merkel is expected to become trade. The same Politico reminds us that “the United States more than doubled spending on goods labeled “made in Germany” than Japan, Russia and Mexico combined.”
The Americans, however, it may not like. As recalled by the Foreign Policy magazine, “the chief trade adviser to trump Peter Navarro has accused Germany of manipulating the exchange rate”. The owner of the White house complained that the EU is nothing more than a “machine for the promotion of the interests of Germany”.
But Merkel, according to General opinion, is going to prove that trade and economic relations of the USA and Germany is mutually beneficial. In confirmation of this it is possible to result the fact that on a trip it will be accompanied by the leaders of such industrial companies as BMW, Siemens and Schaeffler.
With an eye on voters
And yet, according to observers, the task of the Chancellor is a very difficult one. In addition, as recalled by The Washington Post, “Merkel arrives in Washington, when there, apparently, to lose more than gain”.
“She is this year’s tougher-than-expected fighting for re-election — says the newspaper. And she needs to demonstrate that it is ready to defend European values and positions, but to get along with the intemperate language of a businessman-President who is extremely unpopular among the population of Germany.”