Berlin, Germany - Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday to discuss key shared priorities, including supporting Ukraine and countering Russian aggression. The two discussed the Iranian regime’s escalating threats in the region against American interests and the need to counter Iran’s missile activities and regional aggression.

The leaders also discussed our countries’ shared interests around efforts to forge a political settlement that ends the conflict in Afghanistan, while preserving the gains of the last 18 years. Both Germany and the United States recognize the importance of genuine intra-Afghan dialogue and negotiations as a key step forward in the peace process.