German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump and congratulated him on the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence.

Axar.az reports, citing the German government, that Merz highlighted the close ties between Germany and the United States during the conversation.

“He underscored the special bond between Germans and Americans,” government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said.

The two leaders also coordinated positions ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara.

“Germany will assume greater responsibility for security in the Euro-Atlantic region. NATO will become more European so that it can remain transatlantic,” Merz said, according to the statement.

Both leaders agreed to continue their discussions at the NATO summit in Ankara.