Scholz thanks Biden for NATO alliance leadership in Berlin visit

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed his country's commitment to NATO and supporting Ukraine in a joint appearance with US President Joe Biden in Berlin on Friday.

Scholz credited Biden for bringing allies together and providing key support in the weeks immediately around the launch of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

"Your leadership is to thank that Putin's plan failed, that Ukraine was not overrun in just a few days, and instead through the bravery of her soldiers and the support of many countries ... has resisted Russian imperialism for more than two and a half years," Scholz said.

He said that Germany will "stand on the side of Ukraine as long as necessary."

"Together, we are committed to a strong NATO that defends every square centimetre of alliance territory," Scholz said. "Every member of our alliance can rely on it."

Scholz also thanked Biden for the "close and trusting" relationship between Washington and Berlin during these "very challenging times."

Scholz said he would also be discussing the conflict in the Middle East with Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during their joint meeting scheduled for later on Friday.

"Israel has the right to defend itself. It's important for me to say this very clearly. We stand on the side of Israel," Scholz said.

Scholz added that he hoped Israel's killing of Yehya al-Sinwar, the leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, would open the door to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of Israeli hostages being held there.