German Chancellor Angela Merkel commented again on the U.S. surveillance on her country and how it could affect relations with Washington, D.C.

According to Merkel during an interview with German broadcaster ZDF, she insisted on maintaining "cooperation based on partnership." Merkel did note the U.S. and Germany have different ideas, and "part of this is that we don't spy on each other."

The interview with ZDF followed the expulsion of the CIA's Berlin Station Chief from the country after an investigation discovered two government employees of spying for the U.S.

"We don't live in the Cold War anymore, where everybody probably mistrusted everybody else," Merkel told ZDF. "The notion that you always have to ask yourself in close cooperation whether the one sitting across from you could be working for the others -- that's not a basis for trust."

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest didn't elaborate on specific cases of the U.S.'s spying on Germany, but said, "Allies with sophisticated intelligence agencies like the United States and Germany understand with some degree of detail exactly what those intelligence relationships and activities entail. Any differences that we have are most effectively resolved through established private channels, not through the media."

Despite the "different opinion" in managing the intelligence services, Merkel noted other policies such as free-trade agreements with the U.S. will not be obstructed.

"We as an export nation benefit from such a free-trade agreement ... as much as the Americans, if not even slightly more," said Merkel, via the Wall Street Journal, adding, "We work very close together with the Americans. I want that to continue."

While meeting with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in regards to nuclear talks with Iran, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry commented on countries' relationship but did not directly address the spying scandal on July 13 from Vienna, Austria.

"Let me emphasize the relationship between the United States and Germany is a strategic one. We have enormous political cooperation, and we are great friends," Kerry said.

While also speaking on cooperation with the situations in Afghanistan and the Middle East, Steinmeier stated, "Ties between the United States and Germany are necessary and essential for both of us. We want to work on reviving this relationship, on a foundation of trust and mutual respect."

Steinmeier added the "necessary and essential" cooperation with the U.S. applies to "all the difficulties that have arisen in our bilateral relations in recent weeks."

__

For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.