German Foreign Minister, Guido Westerwelle: UK Is An 'Indispensable Partner' In the EU

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle today made moves to build bridges with Britain in the wake of David Cameron’s EU summit veto.

Holding a joint press conference with Foreign Secretary William Hague, he described the UK as an “indispensable partner” for Germany in the EU.

He also insisted he wanted a “positive and prosperous future” for the City of London and that there were no “hidden agendas”.

He said: “There is no doubt for us that we want to make the next steps in the EU together as 27, or next with Croatia as 28 countries.

“We think we have a common destiny. We think the EU is not only the answer to the darkest chapter of our history. It is also a life insurance in times of globalisation because no country, not Germany, not Great Britain, not France, no country is strong and big enough to face the challenges of globalisation alone. “

He added: “My main message is for the British people – you can count on us, and we can count on you.”

Sources said the meeting was agreed with Hague after the EU summit on 8-9 December in Brussells, where Britain refused to join the other 26 countries in a fiscal union.

The talks are being held at Germany’s request, suggesting Berlin wants to “hold out an olive branch” to non-euro zone member Britain, Reuters reported.