Berlin, London forging close ties after Brexit, says German president

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier believes Berlin and London are on the path to closer ties after the difficult Brexit years.

"The first few years after Brexit were not easy," Steinmeier told journalists shortly before leaving for a state visit to the United Kingdom on Wednesday morning.

Both sides have since learnt to deal with the situation better and are working on developing relations, he said.

Steinmeier emphasized that King Charles III's trip to Germany for his first state visit as monarch before his coronation in March 2023 was significant.

"This shows how important German-British relations are to both of us, that German-British friendship is a matter close to our hearts," said Steinmeier.

The three-day state visit is the first by a German head of state in 27 years. Steinmeier and his wife Elke Büdenbender are to be welcomed with a carriage ride and military honours at Windsor Castle later Wednesday.

A meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, the seat of government in London, is also planned.

They will discuss political and economic relations, cultural exchange and how people in the two countries can be brought together "more easily and effectively," Steinmeier said.

The visit is also intended to send a signal of reconciliation and remembrance.

On the last day of his visit, Steinmeier plans to lay a wreath at the ruins of Coventry Cathedral. The central English city was heavily bombed by the German Air Force during World War II.