Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany. The two leaders underscored their strong commitment to the transatlantic relationship and pledged to continue working closely together on shared priorities, including combating COVID-19, strengthening global health security, and addressing the climate crisis. The leaders expressed concern about the build-up of Russian troops on Ukraine's borders and in occupied Crimea, and reaffirmed their support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The President thanked Chancellor Merkel for Germany's contributions to NATO's Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, and the two leaders agreed to continue supporting efforts to bring peace to Afghanistan.