WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz opened their first White House meeting on Thursday (Jun 5) with discussions on Ukraine, trade and defence spending, setting a more cordial tone than Trump’s recent Oval Office sessions with other foreign leaders.

Trump praised Merz as a "good representative of Germany" and "difficult," which he suggested was a compliment. He said US troops would remain in Germany and welcomed Berlin's increased defence spending.

Merz expressed readiness for a deeper relationship with Washington. The two conservatives appeared to get along well, trading pleasantries about accommodations and exchanging thanks during their brief press remarks.

TRADE AND TARIFFS LOOM OVER DIPLOMACY

Despite the friendly atmosphere, unresolved tensi

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