Blinken: U.S. has "no better friend in the world than Germany"

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday described Germany as his country’s closest friend.

"I think it’s fair to say that the United States has no better partner, no better friend in the world than Germany," Blinken declared, standing alongside Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin.

Blinken also thanked Merkel for "remarkable leadership," Politico reported.

The chancellor plans to stand down after 16 years in power following a general election in September.