U.S.: Important that German cooperation continue despite spy row

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House said on Thursday it was essential that the United States and Germany continue to cooperate after Germany took the unusual step of asking a American intelligence official at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin to leave the country.

"We have seen these reports and have no comment on a purported intelligence matter. However, our security and intelligence relationship with Germany is a very important one and it keeps Germans and Americans safe," White House spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said.