Ahead of a joint ministerial meeting in Paris, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz paid tribute to Franco-German friendship. For centuries, the relationship between the two countries was “shaped by war and destruction, by a deep mistrust”, explained the SPD politician in a video message published today in Berlin.
Sixty years after the Elysee Treaty was signed, which is tomorrow, the original peace project can be described as complete, Scholz said. “Germany and France are close friends and partners. Today is about the European peace project at the turn of the century – about our values, which we want to preserve, defend and strengthen.”
Eighteen years after the end of World War II, the Élysée Treaty sealed the friendship between the formerly enemy countries. The chancellor emphasized that France helped the Germans in the reconciliation. Both countries still need to work together, Scholz said, referring to Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.
“We will not allow Europe to return to a time when violence replaced politics. We will continue to support Ukraine. Together. To defend our European peace project.” He also thanked French President Emmanuel Macron very much for getting his act together.