Merkel calls US withdrawal from Paris Agreement "very regrettable"

BERLIN - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday the US decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement was "very regrettable."

In a statement, Merkel said the Paris Agreement is essential to "preserve our creation" and that Germany will abide by its responsibilities.

The German chancellor said she is "touched and encouraged" by the states and businesses in the United States that "will go together with us in this irreversible way."

Merkel pledged her country's support to Fiji in November's UN climate conference to be held in Germany's Bonn, which is a further step to the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The conference will be presided over by Fiji.

Merkel called on all to "stick to the way" to be "successful for the Mother Earth."