BERLIN (Sputnik) — The United States is still the most important ally of Europe, even though there have been differences regarding certain international issues, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said on Monday.
"Even though we have not always been on the same wavelength lately, the United States is the most important ally of Europe. Just because we are currently divided by important issues, we need to seek dialogue with those who are willing to cooperate," the minister said, as quoted by the press service.
Gabriel will travel to Washington on Monday evening where he plans to discuss with US State Secretary Rex Tillerson situation around North Korea, Afghanistan, Qatar's diplomatic crisis and sanctions against Russia.
Moreover, US-German relations have suffered due to Berlin's opposition to the US sanctions bill signed by Trump in early August.
Gabriel called the new US sanctions on Russia, that, in particular, target companies in Russian energy projects, "extraterritorial" and emphasized that such policy is not "an appropriate tool" for promoting one's national export interests or energy industry.
Trump's decision on the US exit from the Paris climate accord also prompted harsh criticism from EU leaders.
