German Chancellor Angela Merkel Vows To Seek Compromises On Issues Like Trade And Military Spending With U.S. President Trump

German Chancellor Angela Merkel walks in the Lower house of parliament Bundestag before a ceremony to commemorate victims of the Berlin truck attack in Berlin, Germany, January 19, 2017. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke

Reuters: Merkel vows compromise with U.S. on trade, military spending

German Chancellor Angela Merkel vowed on Saturday to seek compromises on issues like trade and military spending with U.S. President Donald Trump, adding she would work on preserving the important relationship between Europe and the United States.

"He made his convictions clear in his inauguration speech," Merkel said in remarks broadcast live, a day after Trump vowed to put 'America first'.

Speaking at a news conference in the south-western town of Schoental, Merkel struck a more conciliatory tone toward Trump than Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel, who on Friday said Germany should prepare for a rough ride under the new U.S. president.

Relations with the United States, Germany's biggest trading partner, are likely to be a hot topic in electioneering in coming months leading to a general election in September.

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WNU Editor: Germany enjoys an annual $60 billion trade surplus with the U.S. .... German Chancellor Merkel knows this .... and she is not going to jeopardize it. This is a major change from just a few months ago .... Obama and Merkel tell Trump not to ditch EU trade deal (Politico). Her remarks on Saturday are also a repudiation of her Vice-Chancellor .... Germany must prepare for 'rough ride' under Trump: Vice Chancellor (Reuters). My prediction .... German Chancellor Angela Merkel has read the tea leaves, and she will seek an agreement with the Trump administration ASAP.