Biden and Merkel vow hard stance on Russian aggression and China – ‘Stand together’

Angela Merkel discusses the delivery of vaccine doses to Ukraine

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The leaders met and discussed a number of items, including aggressive behaviour from Russia and China. Mr Biden and Ms Merkel agreed to collaborate against Russian aggression and anti-democratic actions by China. “We stand together and will continue to stand together to defend our eastern flank allies at NATO against Russian aggression,” Biden said during their joint news conference.

The President of the United States, 78, and the German Chancellor, 66, discussed ongoing pandemic restrictions during the German leader’s visit.

“It’s in the process now,” Mr Biden said.

“And I’ll be able to answer that question to you within the next several days, what is likely to happen.”

The President said he has asked the administration’s Covid team to assess when restrictions can be lifted.

READ MORE:German industry urges Merkel to plead with Biden for free trade

During the visit the leaders also released the Washington Declaration, which is an official statement outlining “their commitment to close bilateral cooperation in promoting peace, security, and prosperity around the world”.

On what is expected to be the German Chancellor’s last visit to Washington before she retires from her position, the two leaders reflected on their friendship.

The Chancellor’s political career has spanned across four presidencies.

“On a personal note, I’ll miss seeing you at our summits,” Mr Biden said.

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“The cooperation between the United States and Germany is strong and we hope to continue that, and I’m confident that we will.”

The German leader is the first European leader to visit Mr Biden in the White House.

“I value the friendship,” Ms Merkel said.

While far from home, Chancellor Merkel expressed her “deepest condolences” to the people suffering from some of the worst flooding Germany has experienced in decades.

“My sympathy goes to the relatives and of the dead and missing,” she said during the press briefing.

“I fear we will only see the full extent of this tragedy in the coming days.”

She guaranteed government support with rescue efforts.

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