"Both sides emphasized the close ties between Germany and the United States, indicated a desire to strengthen and deepen them," the TASS report was quoted as saying.

The leaders of the countries also noted the need for transatlantic cooperation to meet current and future challenges.

Biden congratulated Scholz on assuming office as chancellor.

Earlier, at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, Scholz said about the importance of strengthening Europe's sovereignty.

“We are talking about economic issues, security issues, foreign policy,” he said.