Italy is a "close and trusted
friend" and a "reliable partner" of Germany, German President
Joachim Gauck said Tuesday in an exclusive interview with ANSA.
"As a founding member of the European Communities and as
one of the leading member states of the European Union, your
country plays an eminent political and strategic role in many
areas," Gauck said.
"I am referring to policies on refugees, to policies in the
Balkans and also to relations between the Union and its North
African neighbours," he continued.
Gauck said there were no "axes" (alliances) within the EU
but a community of States with equal status.
He said austerity was not being imposed by Germany while
praising Italy's structural reforms.
He called for a "common fight" against various types of
populism.
Gauck said "there cannot be a strong Europe if Germany is
weak".
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