The Germany foreign minister called on further cooperation between the US and EU to maintain security and “freedom” in the face of an escalating crisis on the Korean Peninsula.
He also asked that America did not try to divide the bloc, saying: “From ur friends and partners we expect they respect the unity of the EU, or better support it.
“No one should try to divide it, not Russia, not China, and not the United States.”
He contnued hitting out at President Trump, saying: ” The EU deals with the US in a trustful manner, not as a follower.”
Speaking in Munich he said that co-operation between the US and EU showed “strength in unity”, in their response to Russia about Ukraine, and denying Iran its path to become nuclear.
He urged the US not to abort the Iran nuclear deal, but rather work with Germany to “develop new strategies to stop destabilising politics in iran.”
Mr Gabriel also called on America to continue its “close cooperation” with the bloc to help terminate the North Korean nuclear program.
Speaking of Brexit he said it was a “real loss for the EU”, adding: “We should attempt to keep relations with the UK as close and productive as possible.
“The UK may leave the EU but they do not leave Europe or the liberal order of the West.”
Mr Gabriel praised EU wide security, saying it “made sense” to cooperate more closely to have a most effective crime fighting task force, hitting out at ineffective cost spending on national forces instead of a joint approach.
Germany has agreed to increase its defence spending, and part of that will go into the European defence fund, and he believes the EU defence capabilities will complement but not replace NATO.
Saying it has “nothing to do with President Trump”, he said it was unfair for America to shoudler the burden of NATO, and European, defence.
The minister spoke ahead of Prime Minister Theresa May, who is to propose a unique new UK-EU treaty on security and urge Europe’s leaders to show “real political will” to protect and enhance existing cooperation after Brexit. She will call on the European Union to maintain the safety of the bloc after Brexit.
More to follow…