BERLIN, April 8 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a statement on Wednesday welcoming the two-week truce reached between the United States and Iran.

Merz emphasized that the goal is to negotiate a permanent end to the conflict in the coming days, saying it can "only be achieved through diplomatic means."

The statement, published on the official government website, expressed gratitude to Pakistan for mediating the agreement. It noted that the negotiations should aim to protect the Iranian civilians and ensure regional security, which could avert a "severe global energy crisis."

Germany is in close coordination with the United States and other partners, and will contribute "in appropriate ways" to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, it said.