The German government has asked the top U.S. spy there to leave the country as a response to the latest scandals between the two countries, including NSA surveillance and the recent arrest of an alleged double agent.

The German government announced the move in Berlin on Thursday, underscoring Germany's impatience with American spying activities in the country.

"The representative of the U.S. intelligence services at the United States embassy has been asked to leave Germany," government spokesman Steffen Seibert said in a statement.

"The request occurred against the backdrop of the ongoing investigation by federal prosecutors as well as the questions that were posed months ago about the activities of U.S. intelligence agencies in Germany," he added. "The government takes the matter very seriously."

The announcement comes just a day after the German government was reported to be looking for a second U.S. spy in the county. Also last week, the country's authorities arrested a German intelligence officer suspected of passing secrets to the U.S.

Caitlin Hayden, the White House National Security Council's spokesperson, told Mashable that the White House has "no comment on a purported intelligence matter" but added that the U.S. is interested in keeping a good relationship with Germany.

"Our security and intelligence relationship with Germany is a very important one and it keeps Germans and Americans safe," she said. "It is essential that cooperation continue in all areas and we will continue to be in touch with the German government in appropriate channels."

Additional reporting by the Associated Press