BERLIN (AP) — The Latest on Britain's plan to leave the European Union (all times local)::

2:40 p.m.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she plans to discuss with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson how Britain's exit from the European Union can be "as frictionless as possible."

Merkel told an aviation conference in Leipzig that her talks with Johnson later Wednesday will include how to achieve this goal.

Britain and the remaining 27 EU countries have been at loggerheads recently over a clause in the exit agreement concerning the Irish border. Johnson wants the so-called backstop removed, while Brussels says it's a necessary insurance policy to safeguard the integrity of the bloc's single market.

Merkel cited aviation as one area that will require a new accord between the EU and Britain, saying such an agreement would take time to negotiate. She also noted that as a third country, Britain won't enjoy all the benefits EU members enjoy.

9:45 a.m.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is hosting British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Berlin as Britain and the European Union are hurtling toward a costly no-deal Brexit in October.

Despite growing tensions between Britain and the EU, Merkel said Tuesday the main stumbling block concerning Britain's departure from the European Union — the Irish border issue — can be removed if a "practical solution" is found.

Merkel said the remaining 27 EU countries are willing to find such a solution but don't want to reopen a carefully negotiated Brexit deal agreed last year.

Merkel, who is set to welcome Johnson with military honors on Wednesday evening, also said whichever path Britain chooses the EU is willing to cooperate closely on economic and security issues.