France and Germany celebrate reconciliation
France and Germany today kicked off celebrations marking 40 years of reconciliation between the two once-bitter enemies and focusing on playing a key role together in Europe.
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder met French President Jacques Chirac at Paris’ presidential Elysee Palace, where they were to preside over an extraordinary Cabinet meeting of ministers from both countries.
A raft of events planned for today were to focus on the theme of two European giants looking to reinvigorate their pivotal relationship.
France and Germany have recently worked together to ensure a stronger say in shaping the European Union’s future as it takes in 10 new members in 2004.
The two governments are expected to announce an agreement allowing French and German ministers to attend each other’s Cabinet meetings, among other measures.
