PARIS (AFX) - President Jacques Chirac and Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel stressed their shared commitment to a strong Franco-German partnership as a driving force within Europe. Chirac said that the two countries were united in their wish for 'a political and social Europe' and that 'a truly strong Franco-German axis' was necessary for the European Union. | Cuz the last Axis worked so well |
Merkel, the conservative leader of a left-right coalition, made France her first foreign destination as German chancellor, in a move seen as a fresh affirmation of the strength of the Franco-German relationship.
'This is not about ritual, it is about a deep conviction that a strong relationship between Germany and France is both necessary and beneficial to Europe,' Merkel told reporters. Merkel said that she wished to keep up the 'rhythm' of Franco-German meetings, and invited Chirac to visit Berlin in early December. | Now, tell me again why we were so happy she got elected? |
The president said he saw as 'a sign of friendship' the fact that Merkel chose France as the first destination on her maiden foreign trip as leader of Germany's biggest economy.
Travelling with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, she is due later to travel to Brussels for talks with EU and NATO chiefs, and fly tomorrow to London to meet Prime Minister Tony Blair. |