Merkel and Kerry agree on bolstering EU-US ties

German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed here on Tuesday with US Secretary of State John Kerry on importance of boosting EU-US relations, indicating that these ties represented an important factor to overcome pending international issues, especially Middle Eastern issues. The German government regards EU-US relations as very important not only due to the joint values that bind Europe with the United States, but also due to their leaderships\' similarity in performing tasks and duties, Merkel said in a joint press conference alongside Kerry. Also, Merkel mentioned several international issues, notably the war in Afghanistan, conflict in Syria, conflict in the Middle East, and the free-trade agreement between the United States and Europe, noting that her country tends to deepen partnership with the administration of US President Barack Obama. On his part, Kerry praised Merkel\'s capabilities in managing crisis in Europe, expressing the US government\'s gratitude to Merkel for her ability in dealing with crisis in light of economic crisis the Euro Zone.