FILE PHOTO: German Economic Affairs and Energy Federal Minister Peter Altmaier addresses the media in Berlin, Germany, July 17, 2018. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch

BERLIN (Reuters) - German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said on Wednesday that he hoped a Brexit deal would be ratified in time for Britain’s planned departure from the European Union in March but it was necessary to keep preparing for a no-deal scenario until then.

Altmaier, who was meeting Britain’s Business Minister Greg Clark in Berlin on Wednesday, said he thought the draft Brexit deal and the declaration on future ties between the EU and Britain were a “balanced package” and offered a “good basis” for negotiations on future relations.