German Chancellor Angela Merkel gives a speech at the lower house of parliament, Bundestag, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Berlin, Germany, April 23, 2020. (Photo: Agencies)

BERLIN - The World Health Organisation is an indispensable partner for Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday, distancing her government from President Donald Trump's pause in US funding to the global body.

"The WHO is an indispensable partner and we support it in its mandate," Merkel told the Bundestag lower house of parliament.