Merkel, Cameron discuss trade, condemn Paris attack

As Angela Merkel and David Cameron met on Wednesday, the two leaders said that the freedom of movement across the EU as well as the prospect of a trade deal between the EU and US were at the top of their agenda.

Regarding the UK's potential exit from the EU, the prime minister said in a press conference at Downing Street that he is "convinced" he can "fix the problems" in Britain's relationship with Europe that his country's public find "very frustrating."

Cameron went on to say that he "profoundly" believed that the EU needed to be reformed.

In response, Merkel said: "We would very much like to have the UK in a strong and successful Europe."

With less than four months until the UK votes in the general election, the country's possible exit from the EU is looming ever nearer. Should he be reelected as prime minister in May, Cameron has promised to hold a referendum on Britain staying in the EU.

Regarding the abuse of benefits by some migrants, Merkel also said that issue needed to be addressed "so freedom of movement can prevail."

'Grexit'

During Wednesday's press conference, the Chancellor also addressed the potential departure of Greece from the eurozone, saying that she and the German government "have always pursued a policy of Greece staying in the eurozone and that the commitments … between Greece and the troika, and Greece and European member states, were also abided by and respected."

"Greece has actually made a lot of sacrifices. For many people in Greece these have been very difficult years. We've come a long way," Merkel added.

Charlie Hebdo attack

Speaking at the British Museum earlier in the day, the two European leaders also united in addressing the fatal gun attack on the satirical French magazine Charlie Hebdo, in which 10 journalists and two police officers were killed on Wednesday.

"What happened today in Paris is a barbaric attack against our European values," the German chancellor said.

"We stand for the steadfast values of the freedom of press, freedom and democracy," she added.

Earlier in the day, Cameron tweeted that he found the murders "sickening."

Merkel and Cameron went on to tour the museum which is currently exhibiting 600 years of German history.

The German chancellor's five-hour visit was just one of several which she will embark on in the coming months as part of Germany's year-long presidency over the G7 nations.