US President Donald Trump praised Pakistan’s leadership during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House on Thursday, repeating his stance that he saved the world from a major crisis by preventing a war between the nuclear-armed India and Pakistan.
The US-German summit at the Trump’s Oval Office was the first since Merz’s election as the German Chancellor on May 6. Their talks covered a range of topics, including the wars in Europe, South Asia and the Middle East, besides the US-China trade issue and bilateral matters, according to media reports.
During the meeting Trump insisted that the reduction in tension was possible because of his efforts and cooperation with the leaders of India and Pakistan. He praised the Indian and Pakistani leaderships and stressed that in the event of a nuclear conflict, the entire world could have been in danger.
Taking pride in his role as the peacemaker, Trump regretted that he did not get the recognition he deserved for this important diplomatic achievement. “No one else could have done it,” he said, referring to the ceasefire he had announced on May 10, and later confirmed by both the countries.
Tensions between India and Pakistan reached a boiling point after an attack in the Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on April 22, which killed 26 people. India swiftly blamed Pakistan, but did not present any evidence.
However, the situation escalated as missile strikes and air raids rocked both nations, resulting in dozens of casualties between May 7 and 10. Trump said his diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation involved intense talks with both sides.
“Pakistan has very strong leadership. Some people won’t like when I say that, but it is what it is,” Trump said. “I spoke to very talented people on both sides,” he added. “They stopped that war. I was very proud of that.”
