German Foreign Minister "Will Discuss Withdrawal of US Forces Reduction in Germany with Biden Administration"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Heiko Maas, German Foreign Minister, stated that he will discuss with the incoming U.S. administration under President-elect Joe Biden to reverse the decision to reduce U.S. troops stationed in Germany. He also mentioned that the issue of reducing U.S. troops in the Middle East, which was pushed by former President Donald Trump, will be renegotiated with the new U.S. government to adjust the scale of the reduction.

On the 1st (local time), Minister Maas said in an interview with Germany's ZDF broadcaster regarding the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Germany, "We will discuss this with the new U.S. administration." He added, "The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Germany is something that must be carried out over a long period; troops cannot be withdrawn overnight." He emphasized, "This is a matter concerning not only Germany's security but also Europe's security."

Minister Maas stated, "We are paying close attention to the position of the Joe Biden administration on this matter," and added, "We plan to discuss this with the Biden administration and expect improvements compared to previous discussions." Previously, the Trump administration openly pressured Germany for not meeting its defense spending commitments to NATO and subsequently decided to reduce U.S. troops in Germany. In July, the Trump administration announced plans to cut nearly half of the 36,000 U.S. troops stationed in Germany, reducing the number by 11,900. Of these, 5,600 were to be redeployed within Europe, and 6,400 were to return to the United States. However, it was expected that the reduction would take several years to complete.

Minister Maas further stated, "We plan to negotiate to ensure that necessary personnel, such as evacuation helicopter units, remain to guarantee the safety of German and other allied forces stationed in Afghanistan." Previously, the Trump administration announced plans to reduce U.S. troops in Afghanistan from about 4,500 to 2,500.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.