Brexit deal: Want good relations with Britain, says Angela Merkel

We would have been happy if the exit deal was ready, Merkel added.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel promised on Wednesday to do what she could to help the European Union clinch a Brexit deal with Britain but said that the two sides were not there yet.

"We want good relations with Britain," Merkel told reporters as she arrived at a meeting of EU leaders where British Prime Minister Theresa May is due to speak about her Brexit plans.

"We would have been happy if the exit deal was ready. Instead, we are 90 per cent there. But I will tackle the issues in good spirit and try everything to find an agreement. That would be the best solution for both sides." 

(With inputs from agencies.)