29.06.201705:41:00UTC+00Merkel Vows to Promote Free Trade at G20 Gathering

Angela Merkel vowed to fight for global cooperation, free trade, and the Paris climate change deal at next week's G20 summit in Hamburg.

Addressing the German parliament, the chancellor promised Thursday to concentrate on bolstering the EU in close partnership with France amid the need to contend with Brexit. She emphasized protectionism and isolation won't solve the problems of this world.

Merkel said she has no plans to dismiss the apparent tensions in the G20 over the Paris agreement, following America's decision to withdraw. Still, she is determined to promote the accord that was non-negotiable.