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German finance minister and US treasury secretary Bessent met bilaterally, source says

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on May 21, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 23, 2026

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By Christian Kraemer BANFF, Canada (Reuters) -German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil met United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday for a bilateral conversation on the sidelines of

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil Meets US Treasury Secretary Bessent

By Christian Kraemer

BANFF, Canada (Reuters) -German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil met United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday for a bilateral conversation on the sidelines of the G7 finance ministers' consultations in Canada, a German source in G7 circles told Reuters.

Both agreed to meet again in Washington, with Bessent inviting Klingbeil.

The conversation was a private, open, and constructive exchange and lasted longer than planned, the source told Reuters.

Klingbeil emphasized the importance of close transatlantic relations, especially in light of current geopolitical and economic challenges, the German source said.

Ongoing trade disputes with the U.S. should be resolved as quickly as possible for the benefit of all, Klingbeil said on Tuesday, ahead of meeting his counterparts from other Group of Seven countries.

In his conversation with his U.S. counterpart, Klingbeil also emphasized that the G7 must remain steadfastly on the side of Ukraine.

(Reporting by Christian Kraemer, writing by Maria Martinez; editing by Matthias Williams)

Key Takeaways

  • German and US finance leaders met in Canada.
  • The meeting was part of the G7 finance ministers' consultations.
  • Both agreed to meet again in Washington.
  • Discussions included transatlantic relations and trade disputes.
  • Support for Ukraine was emphasized.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the meeting between Klingbeil and Bessent?
The meeting was a bilateral conversation focused on transatlantic relations and economic challenges.
Where will Klingbeil and Bessent meet again?
They agreed to meet again in Washington, as invited by Bessent.
What did Klingbeil emphasize regarding trade disputes?
Klingbeil emphasized that ongoing trade disputes with the U.S. should be resolved quickly for everyone's benefit.
What stance did Klingbeil take on the G7's support for Ukraine?
Klingbeil stressed that the G7 must remain steadfastly on the side of Ukraine during their discussions.
How long did the conversation between Klingbeil and Bessent last?
The conversation lasted longer than planned, indicating a constructive exchange.

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