WASHINGTON (AFP) - US President Joe Biden said on Friday (Dec 10) that he called Germany's new chancellor, Mr Olaf Scholz, and discussed tensions on the Ukrainian border, where tens of thousands of Russian troops are massed.

       Mr Biden tweeted that he had called Mr Scholz to congratulate him on becoming German leader.

       "I look forward to working closely together on the full range of global challenges, including transatlantic efforts to address Russia's destabilising military build-up," he wrote.

       The call with Mr Scholz capped an intense week of telephone diplomacy for Mr Biden on Ukraine, which fears a Russian invasion.

       Last Tuesday, Mr Biden spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning him of severe economic sanctions if the troops deployed to the border go on the attack.

       He also said the United States would work with Russia in restarting a diplomatic process.

       Mr Biden spoke to major European powers before and after the Putin talks.

       Last Thursday, he called the president of Ukraine and the leaders of nine eastern European allies.

       Mr Scholz took over from his longstanding predecessor, Dr Angela Merkel, this week.

       In a statement, the White House said Mr Scholz and Mr Biden also discussed a "full range of global challenges, including continued efforts to end the Covid-19 pandemic, counter the threat of climate change, and address Russia's escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine".

       Congratulations to Germany’s new Chancellor Olaf Scholz. I look forward to building on the strong ties between our two countries and working closely together to make progress on today’s global challenges.

       — President Biden (@POTUS) December 8, 2021

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