German FM wants to improve ties with US

BERLIN – German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas is heading to the United States with the hope of improving relations between the two countries.

Maas told reporters in Berlin Wednesday morning before his departure he would meet with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and that, “it’s about working less against each other with the U.S., but organizing more with each other.”

Since U.S. President Donald Trump took office two years ago, relations between Germany and the U.S. have soured over several issues, including tariff conflicts and different political views.

Maas said talks with Pompeo include engagements in Afghanistan and Syria, as well as arms control.

Maas will also visit the United Nations, where Germany holds a rotating seat on the Security Council for the next two years.