German Chancellor-elect Friedrich Merz made his first official visit to France. The topic of talks between him and the head of the Elysée Palace, Emmanuel Macron, was the issue of Ukraine and nuclear deterrence, writes A2.
"I see the fundamental need for us to discuss with France and also with Great Britain the question of how we can jointly provide such a preventive response in the future," the CDU politician said in Paris.
Merz also announced his visit to Ukraine, where he confirmed Kiev's continued support. "I have planned a visit to Ukraine in the coming weeks. We are coordinating on this issue. The decision on when this war will end depends on Moscow and must be made in Moscow. I really hope that a ceasefire agreement will be reached this weekend."
French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed full support for Ukraine: "There is only one question that needs to be answered: is Russia ready for a ceasefire that lasts at least 30 days, so that it can build a solid and lasting peace? This is the only question, other answers will come in turn, but we must get out of a process where we are constantly asked to give visibility to someone who does not give any aggression to the rest of the world for three days, who has waged a further war for three years and who has waged a further war."
After years of disagreements under former Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Macron and Merz were eager to present a refreshed, engaged and well-choreographed partnership, led by two like-minded leaders eager to get down to business.
Macron welcomed "a new page in Franco-German friendship," while Merz said he already shared "a deep personal connection" with the French President. (A2 Televizion)
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