German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) has met with former US President Barack Obama to a one and a half hour exchange of views. The Central theme should have been the tense TRANS-Atlantic relations. These had deteriorated after the assumption of office of Obama’s Republican successor to Donald Trump as US President. A big point of contention between Merkel and Trump the protectionist economic policies of the American.
government spokesman Steffen Seibert said it was a confidential appointment. The Chancellor receive the former US President to a conversation – such as it is always occurring, that it meets with former presidents and heads of government, “with whom she has worked for a long distance closely and well, even well after their time together once again”. On the question of whether the Meeting was a clear sign to Trump, said Seibert: “This is the impression that I’d decided to contradict.”
heart and soul: Angela Merkel and Barack Obama.Photo: REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke
Between Merkel and Obama had developed in its eight years in office, a kind of political friendship, although the two different families of parties. The conversation was not open to the press, said a government spokesperson. After the Meeting, both leaders said goodbye with a warm hug.
On the eve was celebrated Obama at the event “World Leadership Summit” in Cologne of more than 14,000 people. The democratic politicians said, among other things, “confident and cautiously optimistic” that the United States will be in climate protection will soon return to lead them. Obama called Trump with any syllable, however, who was meant in each case.
Obama also emphasized that decisions and discussions have to take place on the basis of facts. “I’m a big believer in enlightenment values, such as facts, reason, logic,” said the 57-Year-old. “A democracy is defined that it allows for different opinions, but you can’t work if the basic facts are questioned.”
Obama Also called for higher defense spending
To the 70. Anniversary of Nato’s founding is likely to play between Merkel and Obama also claim Trumps a significantly higher contribution of the Germans for the defense Alliance has a role. Also, Obama had repeatedly called for more defense efforts of the Nato partners, but not as aggressive as Trump. The Nato members had committed to in 2014 – during his tenure – until 2024 on the target of two percent of gross domestic product to move. Germany has only 1.5 percent until 2024.
More about
Former U.S. President to visit Less Obama-nostalgia could be of help
Malte Lehming
Obama takes on Saturday in Berlin at a “Town Hall”Meetings. He wants to face the questions of around 300 young people from all over Europe, working in areas such as civil society, the Integration, or food security. He also wants to meet with about 20 representatives of the environmental activists of the “Fridays for Future” in Berlin. Obama was already several times in Berlin. Most recently, he took part in may 2017 at the Church day together with Merkel in a panel discussion. (dpa)
