Germany to help bring Brexit trade deal into force - foreign minister
FRANKFURT, Dec 24 (Reuters) - Germany on Thursday pledged to help speed up the process to bring the Brexit trade deal clinched between Britain and the European Union into force on Jan. 1.
"As the holder of the Presidency of the Council of the EU, we want to help ensure a swift and efficient ratification so that the agreement can enter into force in good time as of 1 January 2021," Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a statement.
"That will be challenging and require much flexibility on all sides. However, I am confident that this can be achieved," he said.
Britain clinched a narrow Brexit trade deal on Thursday, just seven days before it exits one of the world's biggest trading blocs. (Reporting by Ludwig Burger; Editing by Maria Sheahan)
