Germany’s Merz Calls U.S. ‘Most Important Partner’ Despite Planned Troop Cuts

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. [Photo=AFP·Yonhap]

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed Germany’s alliance with the United States, calling Washington the most important partner in the North Atlantic alliance even after the U.S. announced plans to cut 5,000 troops stationed in Germany.

According to Reuters, Merz said in an interview with German public broadcaster ARD on May 3 (local time) that while he acknowledged differences with U.S. President Donald Trump over issues including Iran, “nothing changes in the course of cooperation with the United States.” He also said recent friction between the two countries was not connected to the planned reduction of U.S. forces in Germany.

The United States recently announced a plan to reduce its troop presence in Germany by 5,000. Reuters reported that the move has effectively put an end to a plan pursued under the Joe Biden administration to deploy a long-range Tomahawk missile battalion in Germany.

Merz made similar remarks on April 30 during a visit to a military base in Muenster, saying the trans-Atlantic partnership was “especially important” and that Germany’s security policy remained aligned with “a strong NATO military alliance and reliable partnerships.” The comments came shortly after Trump raised the possibility of cutting U.S. troops in Germany.

* This article has been translated by AI.

AJP