It is the first time that Chancellor Angela Merkel has received a foreign guest in the Chancellery this year.
You and French President Emmanuel Macron see many issues alike.
Berlin (dpa) - Before the summit of the heads of state and government of the European Union, Germany and France showed themselves united in the control of the corona pandemic and in dealing with Turkey and Russia.
Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) said on Friday during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin that she saw the EU as facing “major challenges” with regard to the two eastern neighbors of the international community.
Regarding the relationship with Turkey, Merkel said: “On the one hand there are differences of opinion, on the other hand we depend on each other if we want to shape certain questions together.
That is the question of migration, that is the question of the future of Libya, that is the question of the future of Syria. "
Russia is a big challenge
At the G7 summit, the relationship with Russia was also a big question. “Russia is a big challenge for us. But Russia is also the major continental neighbor of the European Union, ”said Merkel. “We have to realize that we are all exposed to hybrid attacks. But, on the other hand, we have a great interest if we want security and stability in the European Union, that we also keep in touch with Russia, no matter how difficult it is. "
Macron agreed: “I share everything that has been said about Turkey and Russia.” In relation to Turkey, positions of the EU countries Greece and Cyprus as well as their own strategic position in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East, Libya and be observed in the Caucasus. A common line must be found vis-à-vis Russia. Merkel thanked US President Joe Biden for starting dialogue with the Russian government.
The two also agreed that Washington's current involvement should be welcomed.
On the subject of defense, Macron also said that one should not see the commitment of the USA as an end to the European insight that the fate of Europe also depends on the European countries.
A European defense and strategic autonomy are still no alternative to the transatlantic alliance.
"I'm happy to be back in Germany"
The meeting with Macron was the first physical reception of a foreign guest in the Berlin Federal Chancellery this year and was characterized by a good mood. Macron tweeted: “I'm happy to be back in Germany.” On the agenda of Merkel and Macron was a dinner in the Chancellery. In addition to European policy issues, the main focus should be on the Franco-German vote before the European Council, which the EU heads of state and government will meet in Brussels on June 24th and 25th.
With a view to the EU summit in Brussels at the end of next week, the Chancellor said that the experiences from the pandemic had taught us that we had to act as uniformly as possible across Europe.
“Of course, we must continue to be vigilant with regard to the spread of variants or mutants.” For example, there is an improved, but not yet perfect, coordination of the various entry rules in the EU.
Germany has very strict rules, others less strict.
Macron agreed that they were calling for greater coordination.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210618-99-53838 / 5
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Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron agree on issues relating to Turkey and Russia.
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Emmanuel Macron is greeted by Angela Merkel in front of the Federal Chancellery.
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