French President began a three-day state visit to Germany on Sunday, the first by a French president in 24 years.
The state visit is at the invitation of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, with Steinmeier’s office saying the trip will be “highlighting the unique relationship between the two countries.”
Macron is starting the trip to Germany with his arrival in the capital, Berlin.
Macron to travel across Germany
The two leaders are due to travel to several regions in Germany but will on Sunday first be attending the Celebration of Democracy, marking 75 years of the Basic Law — the democratic constitution adopted in West Germany after World War II — being held in Berlin’s government district.
Macron is then due to be received at Schloss Bellevue in Berlin, with military honors.
According to Steinmeier’s office, the second and third day of Macron’s visit will include stops in Dresden and Münster.
The focus there is will be on common challenges “to which France and Germany can find shared European answers,” a statement from Steinmeier’s office said, which added that during all stops, the leaders will celebrate European integration.
Steinmeier’s role is largely ceremonial and while German presidents have little executive power, they aspire to be moral authorities above daily politics.
France, Germany disagree on Ukraine, strategic autonomy
France and Germany have shown disagreement on a number of issues, including on the war in Ukraine.
Earlier this year, , which prompted a critical response from Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
that would make the bloc less dependent on the US. It has expressed concern at Germany’s decision to buy mostly US-produced equipment for its .
Macron’s trip comes two weeks ahead of European elections, with polls showing that Macron’s coalition is trailing behind the far-right National Rally party.
The over comments made by AfD candidate Maximilian Krah on the Nazi SS paramilitary force.
kb/wd (AFP, dpa)
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