"I wish that the United Kingdom will in the future too remain an active member of a successful European Union," said Merkel alongside her British counterpart, David Cameron, at a traditional banquet in Hamburg.
Merkel stressed that the continued EU membership of Britain is in the interests of both Germany and Britain.
"Europe needs Great Britain and Great Britain needs Europe," she said, adding that the EU's ability to compromise gives her the confidence that there would be successful negotiations in Brussels at the next EU summit on Feb. 18 to 19.
"I would not say in advance how many hours I could sleep from Thursday to Friday. But we are solution-oriented," Merkel said.
Addressing the banquet, Cameron also expressed confidence that a deal could be reached in Brussels to avoid a so-called "Brexit."
"When it comes to the question of Britain's place in Europe, I have always been confident that together we can secure the reforms that address Britain's concerns and also work for Europe as a whole," he said.
"If by working together we can achieve these changes, then I will unequivocally recommend that Britain stays in a reformed European Union on these new terms," he said.
But should no deal be reached, he added, "then I rule nothing out."
Cameron has been meeting and talking with leaders of other EU members in an attempt to secure agreement for the renegotiation of Britain's membership in the EU. The EU leaders are scheduled to discuss the matter at the upcoming summit.
Cameron has pledged to hold a referendum by 2017 on whether Britain should withdraw from the EU. He promised to campaign for his country to remain in the bloc if the EU agrees to reform as Britain has requested.
[Xinhua -china.org.cn]
13/2/16
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