Merkel: Strong European economy is good for US

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday that a strong European economy is good for the United States. She cited the Marshall Plan, in which Washington invested in Germany after the devastation of World War Two.

Merkel's remarks came amid recent tense relations between Berlin and Washington. US President Donald Trump in May called Germany's trade and spending policies "very bad." His decision to break away from the Paris climate change pact also differs from Berlin who considers the pact crucial for managing globalization.

Merkel stressed the transatlantic relationship is "more about balancing interests" and "achieving a win-win situation." She will host Trump and other G20 leaders at a summit in early July.

(CGTN)