Readout of President Biden's Meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. welcomed Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany to the White House. President Biden reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening U.S.-German relations and working with the new Chancellor to deepen the transatlantic partnership. The leaders discussed ongoing diplomatic and deterrence efforts in response to Russia's continued military build-up on Ukraine's borders, reaffirmed their support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reiterated their commitment to preventing Russia from using energy as a weapon. The leaders also discussed Germany's G7 Presidency, including taking stronger joint action to end the COVID-19 pandemic, building back better health security, tackling the climate crisis, and supporting an inclusive global economic recovery. The leaders committed to cooperate closely on challenges posed by China and to continue promoting stability and prosperity in the Western Balkans.