”The President of the United States (U.S.), Joe Biden, pointed out that his country and Germany are determined to complete the process of integration of the Western Balkans into European institutions and thus achieve a complete, free, and peaceful Europe, ” Anadolu Agency (AA) reports.
Biden met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Washington, and after the meeting, he pointed out that they had an extremely constructive conversation and added that he would continue to work on strengthening the alliance and extensive partnership between the U.S. and Germany. Biden and Scholz paid the most attention to the Russian threat to Ukraine.
”We have made it clear that we are ready to continue talks in good faith with Russia. Germany has also been a leader in pushing the de-escalation of tensions and encouraging dialogue through the Normandy format. But if Russia decides to continue to attack Ukraine, we are ready and the whole of NATO is ready. Today, the Chancellor and I discussed our close cooperation and developed a strong package of sanctions that will clearly show international determination and impose quick and severe consequences if Russia violates Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Biden stated yesterday.
The U.S. and Germany are close friends
He mentioned that they also discussed the challenges for the international order that come from China, Russia, and other competitors who strive for more illiberal futures. He added that he agreed with Chancellor Scholz to work together to ensure that the rules and principles governing new technologies are aimed at promoting freedom of opportunity, not repression or authoritarianism.
Also, he added that the U.S. and Germany are close friends and allies on various international platforms and at the bilateral level and that there is no issue of global importance in which Germany and the U.S. do not work together.
Serious consequences and sanctions
German Chancellor Scholz expressed satisfaction with his first visit to Washington and mentioned that it was good that he had the opportunity to talk to U.S. President Biden during this difficult period.
”We have said very clearly that Russian aggression against Ukraine would be accompanied by serious consequences and sanctions. So Russia will have to pay high price. This is a very clear message. Everyone understood that. I think that this message has been clarified again and again so that even Russia has now understood the message,” Scholz expressed.
Furthermore, he said that it was important to use all available diplomatic means, which includes the continuation of talks between Washington and Moscow.
E.Dz.
Source: Avaz
