BERLIN (AP) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to travel to Washington next week for a pivotal meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The visit aims to address critical issues including the ongoing war in Ukraine and rising trade tensions, as confirmed by the German government on Saturday.

Merz, who has been in office as the leader of Germany, Europe’s largest economy, since May 6, will meet Trump on Thursday at the White House. This visit will mark their first face-to-face interaction. The meeting is expected to cover a range of bilateral relations alongside international matters such as the implications of Russia’s war in Ukraine, evolving conditions in the Middle East, and trade policies.

Since taking office, Chancellor Merz has actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine and strengthen Western support for the conflict-affected nation. In a notable development, he hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin on Wednesday, underscoring Germany's commitment to maintaining its support for Ukraine during these challenging times.

Germany has a vested interest in resolving trade tensions between the European Union and the United States. Recently, former President Trump had threatened to implement a 50% tariff on a variety of goods imported from the 27-nation bloc, with the deadline initially set to commence on Sunday. However, Trump has since postponed this deadline to July 9, allowing more time for negotiation and dialogue.

The upcoming meeting is viewed as a crucial step in solidifying transatlantic relations and addressing both security and economic challenges that have become more pronounced in recent months. As tensions in Europe rise due to the conflict in Ukraine and as global trade dynamics shift, the discussions between Merz and Trump will likely play a significant role in shaping the future of cooperation between Germany and the United States.

In summary, Chancellor Merz's upcoming visit to Washington, characterized by strategic discussions with President Trump, reflects the current geopolitical landscape where international relationships are paramount. The outcomes of their meeting could greatly influence not only Germany's position in global affairs but also the stability of transatlantic ties amid a complex web of challenges.