Further talking points included transatlantic trade relations and climate change.
Speaking here for the first time in her capacity as EU and G8 President, Merkel noted the importance of international institutions in the process of resolving conflicts, saying that this had shown itself most recently in the nuclear dispute with Iran where the inclusion of Russia and China in the negotiations had made it possible to adopt a UN resolution that draws a red line.
Quartet to be convened soon
Merkel indicated that the Quartet, too, is an institution that requires a coordinated approach, adding that the EU Presidency, in cooperation with the European Commission, will be willing to join in this effort. "I think it is important to make it clear to the non-constructive forces in Hamas that the EU and the United States won't allow themselves to be played off against each other," she said.
President Bush announced that a meeting of the Quartet is to be convened in the near future with the objective of promoting a two-state solution based on the recognition of Israel’s right to exist.
Making trade more transparent
Germany is seeking to achieve a further reduction of tariffs and trade barriers in the framework of the Doha Round of WTO negotiations. Merkel noted that the parties involved are going to have to make concessions, saying: "We want these talks to be successful. We are all aware of the fact that this window of opportunity that we have is closing fast and need to act swiftly."
Merkel observed that the European Union and the United States are pursuing the same objectives. She referred in this context to the EU-US summit, scheduled for this spring, that will also deal with climate change and the development of closer transatlantic trade relations.
"We of course need economic growth, but we also need a reduction of greenhouse gases, " Merkel stressed. She said the right approach to helping prevent climate change is to promote better energy efficiency and the use of new technologies, adding that the United States, too, is willing to reduce emissions.
Closer transatlantic ties
Germany will seek to promote closer transatlantic trade relations during its EU Presidency. Merkel made it clear that this joint project is not directed in any way against the talks being held in the WTO framework.
She indicated that the German and US economies are based on shared values, including patents and intellectual property, which we need to protect jointly in dealings with others.
