Merkel visited the United Kingdom in early July, starting her last trip to the United Kingdom before stepping down as German Chancellor. After meeting with British Prime Minister Johnson in his country house, Merkel said: "Now that the United Kingdom has left the European Union, this is the beginning of a new relationship between us. A good opportunity for a chapter." The two sides agreed to work hard to reach a new bilateral treaty to consolidate the new relationship. Johnson emphasized, "We are very happy that Germany can work together on a treaty of friendship or cooperation, which will reflect the breadth of the entire relationship."
The two sides agreed to announce the plan of the German and British cabinets to hold annual meetings to "discuss common issues". The two sides discussed some new common scientific projects between Germany and the United Kingdom and set up awards to reward female scientists in Germany and the United Kingdom. In addition, Merkel also Was received by the Queen of England.
On May 18, the 73rd World Health Assembly held its opening ceremony in the form of a video conference.
The picture shows the remote speech by German Chancellor Merkel taken in Berlin, Germany.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Peng Dawei
Disagreements between the two sides on the Northern Ireland agreement after Brexit still exist. London has recently reached an agreement with Brussels to extend the grace period for frozen meat shipped from the UK to Northern Ireland.
However, as part of the binding UK-EU Brexit Treaty, the overall dispute regarding the post-Brexit trade arrangements contained in the Northern Ireland Protocol has not yet been resolved.
Merkel's attitude on this issue is relatively mild, and she said that a pragmatic solution can be found.
On the issue of mutated new crown virus prevention, Merkel is resolute. She called on the 27 EU countries to isolate tourists from the UK to prevent the mutated new crown virus found in the UK from spreading across the European continent. She expressed her strong concern to Johnson.
The German Daily News quoted Thomas Matusek, the former German ambassador to the United Kingdom, as saying that the meeting between Merkel and Johnson was not only about sausages and vaccines: "This is about the future relationship. The UK is our closest in the EU. For example, both sides have cooperated in financial control and anti-corruption. Now there is a gap and the problem is how to fill it.” The German "Frankfurt Allergy" published a commentator article, the article analyzes that there are many similar interests between Germany and Britain, which are urgently needed Seeking new partnerships will also test the wisdom of the next government.
However, some German public opinion believes that Merkel's visit has sent the wrong signal to the United Kingdom and that Germany should keep pace with the EU and maintain a tough attitude towards the United Kingdom.
(Headquarters reporter Li Changhao)