The current economic situation in the United States "was in good shape", U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said in Berlin on Friday.

During a talk with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Biden deliberates on current global economic situation, methods to cope with the chronic issues of mounting deficits, debts, and the prospects of recovery and growth.

"And it was less a crisis than people think," Biden said, referring to the fiscal negotiations in Washington.

Biden called Germany "an absolutely essential, critical partner", while "the transatlantic alliance continues to be the basis upon which our entire relations in the world rest."

"Without a strong Europe and close ties to Europe, it is not conceivable how America's interests can be met around the world," Biden added.

Merkel said that Germany sends "a positive message" to Biden on the efforts to defuse the sovereign debts crisis, according to a statement after the meeting.

Merkel also praised "the positive signals" about a planned transatlantic U.S.-Europe free trade pact, which is widely expected to bolster the economies of both sides.

There were "positive signs" in U.S. President Barack Obama's agenda for his second term in office, according to Merkel.

After the talks with Merkel, the vice president is scheduled to attend the annual Munich security conference on the weekend. Endi

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