European and British negotiators reached a post-Brexit trade deal on Thursday, officials from both sides said.
"This deal was worth fighting for," European Commission President von der Leyen told a news conference.
She added: “We now have a fair and balanced agreement with the UK. It will protect the interests of the European Union and ensure fair competition.
For his part, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that a post-Brexit trade agreement had been reached with the European Union, saying on Twitter, "The agreement has been completed."
Johnson, who won a landslide victory in last year's elections due to his pledge to "get Brexit done", published a picture of him celebrating.
In a press conference, Johnson told the European Union: "The post-Brexit agreement is good for all of Europe … and our economy will benefit greatly from it."
He added, "To the European Union, I say that we will be your friends, allies, and your first market. We have the basis for establishing friendship with the European Union."
For her part, German Chancellor Angela Merkel confirmed that she was "confident" that the Brexit deal was a "good result".
"We will quickly be able to determine whether Germany supports the outcome of today's negotiations," she said in a statement, adding that her government would meet on Monday to review the agreement. "I am sure we achieved a good result," she added.
In turn, International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said that the agreement would lead to a "strong commercial relationship" with Brussels and other partners around the world.
Okaz (Brussels)