Washington: The first face-to-face meeting between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel started awkwardly on Friday and ended even more oddly, with a quip by Trump about wiretapping that left the German leader visibly bewildered.
The two leaders share different views on trade, Russia and immigration, leading to some uncomfortable moments at a joint news conference on Friday in which they took pains to downplay differences that were hard to mask.
Photographers: Can we get a handshake?Merkel (to Trump): Do you want to have a handshake?Trump: *no response*Merkel: *makes awkward face* pic.twitter.com/ehgpCnWPg7? David Mack (@davidmackau) March 17, 2017
Who knew tweeting a pic of Trudeau refusing to shake Trump's hand could get haters so TRIGGERED. Accordingly, I've changed my cover photo. pic.twitter.com/qx6YPqm4AZ? Aaron Vallely (@Vallmeister) March 16, 2017
"We held a conversation where we were trying to address also those areas where we disagree, but we tried to bring people together ... (and) tried to find a compromise that is good for both sides," Merkel said.
Irish Taoiseach @EndaKennyTD invited Donald Trump to visit Ireland. There will be riots in the streets, Trump isn't welcome here. ?? pic.twitter.com/PjCsx6Xi2S? Aaron Vallely (@Vallmeister) March 17, 2017
Near the start of the news conference, Trump pressed Merkel for Germany to meet NATO's military spending target, and Merkel reiterated her country's commitment to the 2 percent military spending goal.
"I reiterated to Chancellor Merkel my strong support for NATO as well as the need for our NATO allies to pay their fair share for the cost of defence. Many nations owe vast sums of money from past years, and it is very unfair to the United States. These nations must pay what they owe."
Trump also stood by unproven claims that the Obama administration tapped his phones, and expressed solidarity with a surprised Merkel, whose government charged Washington in 2013 may have been spying on her.
Journalist with a zoom camera has released actual footage of the handshake between US President Donald Trump and Japan's PM Shinzo Abe. pic.twitter.com/JOxTdYVNvo? José Covaco (@HoeZaay) February 15, 2017
In 2013 the German government said it had information that the United States may have monitored Merkel's mobile phone, prompting her to call Obama to demand immediate clarification.
The Republican and Democratic leaders of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee issued a statement on Thursday rejecting Trump's assertion that the Obama administration conducted surveillance on him.IMMIGRATION DIFFERENCES
Trump, who as a presidential candidate had criticised Merkel for allowing hundreds of thousands of refugees into Germany, said immigration was a privilege, not a right.
Merkel hinted at differences, saying: "This is obviously something we had an exchange of views about."
Merkel had close relations with Trump's Democratic and Republican predecessors, Obama and George W. Bush, and she is likely to seek a strong working relationship with Trump despite major policy differences and wariness in Germany about the former New York businessman.
"Those who know the chancellor know that she has a knack for winning over people in personal discussions. I am sure that Donald Trump will not be immune," said Juergen Hardt, a conservative lawmaker who helps coordinate transatlantic relations for the German government.
The two also discussed Ukraine and Afghanistan.
Trump said he expected the United States to do "fantastically well" in trade with Germany, while Merkel said she hoped the United States and the European Union could resume discussions on a trade agreement. Trump said he did not believe in isolationism but that trade policy should be fairer.
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