U.S. President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz bonded during an amicable White House meeting on Thursday with talks about Ukraine, trade and troops, but none of the fireworks that characterized other Oval Office visits by foreign leaders.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Friday, a day after meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House, that he encountered a U.S. administration open to discussion and returned confident that Washington remains committed to NATO.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will meet U.S. President Donald Trump Thursday. The relationship between the two countries is being tested, and Merz will aim to strengthen it. Trade and security matters will also be top of his agenda.