French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed France's long-standing partnership with Germany today, with the start of his three-day state visit to Germany, reported DPA, quoted by BTA.
This is the first visit of a French president to Germany in 24 years, with the two European powers facing common problems such as the threat to the EU from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and far-right political parties, the agency notes.
"The relationship between France and Germany is irreplaceable and important for Europe," Macron said shortly after landing in the German capital Berlin with his wife Brigitte.
He rejected the suggestion that relations between the two countries, often described as the "engine of European politics", were slipping, DPA said.
"That is not true. Our relations are progressing," Macron said. He spoke with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier during the Festival of Democracy commemorating the 75th anniversary of the entry into force of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany (May 23, 1949).
The French head of state drew attention to the fact that although there are sometimes differences in individual viewpoints on politics, Berlin and Paris "always reach an agreement in the end".
"If Germany and France reach an agreement, there is still much to be desired in Europe,", he noted, stressing the importance of the upcoming European Parliament elections between June 6 and 9.
From the festival, Macron went to the presidential palace "Bellevue", where he was greeted with military honors and the French national anthem.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier organized a state banquet for his guest of honor at the "Bellevue" tonight, before the two presidents leave tomorrow for the eastern city of Dresden. Macron will deliver a speech there, and on Tuesday they are scheduled to be in Münster, in West Germany.
Later on Tuesday, the program calls for a meeting between Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and ministers from both countries near Berlin.