German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle today made moves to build bridges with Britain in the wake of David Cameron’s EU summit veto.
Holding a joint press conference with Foreign Secretary William Hague, he described the UK as an “indispensable partner” for Germany in the EU.
He also insisted he wanted a “positive and prosperous future” for the City of London and that there were no “hidden agendas”.
“We think we have a common destiny. We think the EU is not only the answer to the darkest chapter of our history. It is also a life insurance in times of globalisation because no country, not Germany, not Great Britain, not France, no country is strong and big enough to face the challenges of globalisation alone. “
He added: “My main message is for the British people – you can count on us, and we can count on you.”
Sources said the meeting was agreed with Hague after the EU summit on 8-9 December in Brussells, where Britain refused to join the other 26 countries in a fiscal union.
The talks are being held at Germany’s request, suggesting Berlin wants to “hold out an olive branch” to non-euro zone member Britain, Reuters reported.