“We Germans and we Europeans know that we must assume greater responsibility in this partnership in the 21st century,” Merkel told reporters in Berlin.

“America is and remains our most important ally, but stronger efforts are expected of us – and rightly so – in order to ensure our security and to represent our interests in the world,” she added.

After four days of counting votes, Democratic challenger Biden emerged as the clear winner of Tuesday’s nail-biting election, although Republican incumbent Donald Trump has refused to concede victory.

Trump has several legal challenges pending, but analysts are sceptical that they could affect the result in any significant way.

Merkel made no comment on Trump or his unfounded claims of electoral fraud.

The long-serving German leader congratulated Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris, who is set to make history as the United States’ first female vice president.

Merkel said she had fond memories of working with Biden when he served as vice president under Barack Obama and called Harris “an inspiration for many people.”