UK, Germany hope to maintain good ties post Brexit

By Muhammad Mussa

LONDON

Prime Minister Theresa May met German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin Friday to discuss a number of issues, including the ongoing Brexit negotiations and NATO security cooperation.

Speaking later at a joint news conference, May and Merkel hoped to maintain and build on a special relationship after the U.K leaves the European Union.

“Our partnership is vital in defending our shared values and interest around the world. The U.K. and Germany’s shared history, values and culture makes us strong allies,” May said, according to Sky News.

"We'll continue to work together to strengthen these ties for years and decades to come,” she added.

She said she had “very constructive talk guided by a spirit of friendship and partnership”.

About the ongoing Brexit negotiations, phase 2 of which began in less than a month, May said: “We will be setting out at different times the next stage of the process.

"We'll be saying something in the coming weeks about our future economic partnership.”

The German chancellor also said she was looking forward to Britain setting out its agenda for phase 2 of the talks at a European Council summit in March next month.

When asked if there was any frustration regarding the U.K.’s position on the negotiations, Merkel said: "I'm not frustrated at all, I’m just curious about how Britain envisages this future partnership.

“We would like to preserve this close partnership and both sides are in a process of learning and trying to find out where there is common ground.”

On the issue of security, May reiterated the U.K.’s continued support and cooperation in maintaining European security and protection, adding that “as the threats we face grow and involve, our structures and capabilities must keep pace".

Merkel also said the two leaders discussed the situation in Syria.

She said “Turkey has its legitimate interest in ensuring its own security,” adding that “everything that can lead a tension among the NATO partners has to be avoided.”