Merkel says her step-down as CDU leader not to weaken her on world stage

German Chancellor Angela Merkel believes that her step-down from the post of the head of the German ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU) would not affect the German position in the international talks.

Speaking at a news conference alongside Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi who was in Berlin for a summit on Africa, Merkel said her decision not to contest the party leadership election would give her more time to grapple with issues.

"I don’t believe that anything will change about the negotiating position in international negotiations - one can even say I have more time to concentrate on my tasks as the head of government," Reuters cited her as saying.