(VOVworld) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Germans to be wary of the anti-Islam PEGIDA movement and open their hearts to asylum seekers in Germany in a national speech on the eve of the New Year.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivers a national speech on the eve of the New Year.

She said she is optimistic that Germans will unite to overcome all difficulties in the future, including an aging population and immigration issues. She said Germany will try to take advantage of the Trans-Pacific Partnership along with ensuring social order and protecting the environment. She called for a new international deal on climate change, which will be one of the G7’s priorities during Germany’s chairmanship.