"We would like equally to have reasonable relations with Russia. That is why negotiations in the Russia-NATO Council will always take place," Merkel said.
According to the German Chancellor, the alliance should show determination to defend itself.
"We need NATO as a guarantor of our security, including as of a transatlantic alliance, in the 21st century as well," Merkel said in a video address released on the German government's website.
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US Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman revealed that Trump viewed the forthcoming summit in Helsinki as a step that would help ease tensions between the two countries.
NATO Summit in Belgium will be held on July 11 — 12 in Brussels, Belgium.