03:18Germany: Obama says Russia has 'aggressive posture' during Hannover visit
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Barack Obama held a joint press conference at Herrenhausen Palace in Hannover, Sunday. The two leaders talked about a range of international issues including the refugee crisis, the Ukrainian conflict, counter-terrorism strategies and Russia.
Commenting on Russia and NATO, Obama said: "Given the pressures both from the south and the aggressive posture and enormous spending that we are seeing out of Russia, it is important for all our NATO members to try to hit the target that we set in Wales," before adding: "So that everyone is able to maintain the defense capacity in part to prevent wars, not necessarily to initiate them."
Commenting on the Ukraine conflict, Merkel stressed the importance of implementing the Minsk agreement before adding that "we will pursue mutual efforts in talks with Ukraine but particularly with Russia." Obama in turn said that "sanctions on Russia can and should only be lifted once Russia fully complies with its commitments under the Minsk agreement."
The US leader also voiced support for his German counterpart's position on the refugee crisis in Europe. "Her position on refugees here in Europe - she is on the right side of history on this," he stated.
On Monday, Obama will hold bilateral talks with Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, British Prime Minister David Cameron and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.
03:18German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Barack Obama held a joint press conference at Herrenhausen Palace in Hannover, Sunday. The two leaders talked about a range of international issues including the refugee crisis, the Ukrainian conflict, counter-terrorism strategies and Russia.
Commenting on Russia and NATO, Obama said: "Given the pressures both from the south and the aggressive posture and enormous spending that we are seeing out of Russia, it is important for all our NATO members to try to hit the target that we set in Wales," before adding: "So that everyone is able to maintain the defense capacity in part to prevent wars, not necessarily to initiate them."
Commenting on the Ukraine conflict, Merkel stressed the importance of implementing the Minsk agreement before adding that "we will pursue mutual efforts in talks with Ukraine but particularly with Russia." Obama in turn said that "sanctions on Russia can and should only be lifted once Russia fully complies with its commitments under the Minsk agreement."
The US leader also voiced support for his German counterpart's position on the refugee crisis in Europe. "Her position on refugees here in Europe - she is on the right side of history on this," he stated.
On Monday, Obama will hold bilateral talks with Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, British Prime Minister David Cameron and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.