We cooperate more closely with France than with any other partner. Together with Jean-Yves Le Drian, we have over the past months not only worked to establish a joint EU stance on Turkey’s military intervention in Syria, promoted de-escalation in the Gulf, and assembled an Alliance for Multilateralism at the United Nations. We have also agreed on new procedures for cross-border cooperation and made progress on establishing a Franco-German forum for the future and a Joint Citizens’ Fund for civil society projects. This is good for citizens, and it is good for Europe.
For Europe to be strong, sovereign and based on solidarity, Germany and France must join forces. It’s a good thing that we’re taking a full agenda with us to Toulouse.