Angela Merkel, leader of Germany's opposition Christian Democratic Union, yesterday signalled her intention to strengthen ties with the US if - as predicted - she becomes chancellor after an election in September.

In a move aimed at reinforcing her international profile, Ms Merkel's personal envoy Wolfgang Schäuble, the CDU's top foreign policy expert, was due yesterday to hold meetings in Washington with Condoleezza Rice, secretary of state, and other senior US officials.