German Chancellor Angela Merkel Tuesday reiterated Germany’s determination to both maintain close ties with Britain and strengthen the European Union.

Merkel said that she welcomed all proposals that would help strengthen the bloc, but also that there could be no “cherry-picking” by London in its forthcoming negotiations.

“The European Union is strong enough in order to absorb the exit of Great Britain. It is strong enough to proceed with only 27 members. And it is strong enough to represent its interests in the world,” Merkel said.

“We will make sure that the negotiations will not follow the principle of cherry-picking. There has to be and there will be a clear distinction whether a country wants to be a part of the EU family or not.

“Whoever decides to leave that family cannot expect all obligations to be omitted while keeping its privileges.”