Blinken: US has no partner and friend better than Germany

Stressing the need for multilateral co-operation and partnership in the confrontation with global challenges, from pandemic to climate change to new technologies, Secretary Blinken praised Germany's role as an example on several fronts.

I think we are of a belief that we have responsibilities, especially at this moment, to demonstrate that democracy is the system that works to improve lives worldwide,” stressed Blinken.

He stopped at the work Germany has done over the crisis in Libya, as co-organizer of Wednesday's multilateral conference alongside the UN, to achieve progress towards creating conditions for safe accession and cleansing this country of foreign fighters.

Today's “Conference was a very good example of the work Germany has done in connection with Libya, and we hope to start seeing a Libya on the road to security, freedom and independence, supported by the international community.

US Secretary of State went on to have other topics of common interest like China and Russia, but added that “for today, Chancellor lady, let me say thank you! I also want to tell you that President Biden welcomes the meeting with you in Washington next month”.

The meeting with Chancellor Merkel followed talks between Blinken and German counterpart Heiko Maas.

Blinken's visit to Germany highlighted the size and strength of US-German relations, but there are no signs of progress on the topic of Russian gas-producing Nord Stream 2. Neither Blinken nor Foreign Minister Mass offered details on time terms for a possible solution.

Blinken is in Germany on his second visit to Europe within seven days after accompanying President Biden at his meeting with European allies in Britain and Belgium.

After Germany, Blinken will visit France and Italy under his first tour of these three countries in the role of the U.S. top diplomat./VOA