BERLIN: Emmanuel Macron, the French president, arrived in Berlin on Monday for meetings with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz concerning the Ukraine conflict. It's the French president's first travel outside of the country since being re-elected for a second term last month. Prior to a scheduled closed-door meeting and working dinner, he was greeted with military honours at the chancellery.
Scholz welcomed the Franco-German friendship at a press briefing before the discussions, telling reporters that "we stand side by side with Ukraine as part of the European family."
Russia's invasion of its neighbour, the chancellor said, was a "turning point in history" that demanded European countries to act together. "We are morally, financially, and militarily supporting Ukraine," Scholz added. "It is impossible for Europe's borders to be shifted around with violence. We will also do everything possible to prevent the war from spreading to other nations and to improve our military capabilities."
Macron said he wanted to go to Berlin on his first international trip since taking office to "highlight the importance of the Franco-German partnership." Scholz chose France his first foreign destination after becoming chancellor last year, as is customary in Berlin and Paris. The two countries will "build a Europe that is stronger, that is equipped to handle major issues," such as digitalization and climate protection, according to the French president.
"In terms of defence and foreign policy, we will also enhance our shared positions," Macron said. "Russia's war in Ukraine has had a profound impact on all of us, on our citizens, on Europe, and it has prompted concerted action to attempt to establish some sort of cease-fire and safeguard Ukraine," he added.
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