Latest news with #Allemagne
NHK
07-05-2025
- Politics
- NHK
Macron, new German Chancellor Merz pledge stronger Franco-German ties
French President Emmanuel Macron and Germany's new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, have agreed to strengthen cooperation to play a leadership role in helping Europe deal with threats from Russia and other challenges. 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.
Asharq Al-Awsat
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Macron Announces Joint French-German Defense Council
French President Emmanuel Macron announced Wednesday the creation of a "French-German defense and security council" as Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited Paris. "We will set up a French-German defense and security council to meet regularly to bring operational responses to our common strategic challenges," Macron said at a joint press conference, as Europe seeks to boost its defenses amid Russia's war against Ukraine and doubts over US security commitments to Europe. Macron said that he doubted Vladimir Putin would respect a three-day truce in Ukraine and wondered if the Russian leader was "serious" about a durable peace. "Beyond the three days promised, which will undoubtedly not be respected, like the previous ones, is the Russian president finally serious?" Macron said at the news conference. "Will he finally decide to keep his word, especially the promises he made in his discussions with the US administration? That is what matters to us." Merz said for his part he was hopeful that a permanent ceasefire could be agreed soon for Ukraine but held back on making any commitments for Ukraine's security. "We will be there to accompany this 30-day cease fire and build a lasting and solid peace. And we (France and Germany) are in close contact," Macron added.
