Macron Arrives in Germany for First State Visit by a French President in 24 Years

Berlin: President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Germany Sunday for first state visit by a French he of state in 24 years, a three-day trip meant to underline strong ties between European Union's tritional leing powers. visit was originally meant to take place last July but was postponed at last minute due to rioting in France following killing of a 17-year-old by police.

While Macron is a frequent visitor to Germany as Paris and Berlin try to coordinate ir positions on EU and foreign policy, this is first state visit with full pomp since Jacques Chirac came in 2000. Macron and his wife, Brigitte, are being hosted by Germany’s largely ceremonial president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

visit comes as Germany celebrates 75th anniversary of its post-World War II constitution.

Steinmeier is holding a state banquet for Macron at his Bellevue palace in Berlin on Sunday evening before two presidents travel on Monday to eastern city of Dresden, where Macron will make a speech, and on Tuesday to Muenster in western Germany.

state visit will be followed later Tuesday by a meeting between Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and ministers from both countries at a government guest house outside Berlin.

Germany and France, which have EU's biggest economies, have long been viewed as motor of European integration though re have often been differences in policy and emphasis between two neighbours on a range of matters.

That was evident earlier this year in different positions on wher Western countries should rule out sending ground troops to Ukraine. Both nations are strong backers of Kyiv.