Macron, new German Chancellor Merz pledge stronger Franco-German ties
Merz, who took office on Tuesday, visited France on his first trip abroad as the new German leader the following day.
Following their talks, Merz told reporters that Europe has enormous challenges and will only be able to meet them if France and Germany stand even more closely together than in the past.
Macron said European security is their most important mission. He pointed to the need to boost defense cooperation and investment, including expanding weapons development. He also disclosed plans to set up a joint defense and security council to meet regularly.
Germany attaches utmost importance to its ties with its neighbor, France.
The two superpowers in Europe have been viewed as playing a pivotal role in shaping the policies, among other matters, of the European Union. But no such alliance seemed apparent between Merz's predecessor, Olaf Scholz, and Macron.
Merz will visit Poland later on Wednesday to further pursue active diplomacy in what appears to be an attempt to show how Germany is reshaping itself following political stagnation in the country.
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