China News Agency, Paris, August 20 (Reporter Li Yang) French President Macron met with German Chancellor Merkel on the 20th local time to coordinate the positions of France and Germany on important issues such as the new crown pneumonia epidemic.
On the same day, Merkel made a special trip to the French presidential resort in Fort Bregançon, Var province, southern France, to meet with Macron. Before the meeting, the Macrons welcomed Merkel's arrival. Due to the epidemic, the Macron couple did not shake hands when greeted Merkel, but greeted each other with their hands folded. Merkel's itinerary on the day was tight. After the meeting with Macron, the two met with reporters and then worked dinner.
This is Merkel's first visit to the French presidential resort in Fort Bregançon. She thanked Macron for the invitation. Last year Russian President Putin also visited here and met with Macron.
Macron said at a joint press conference with Merkel that French and German leaders are discussing issues related to the response to the epidemic. He said that the new crown pneumonia epidemic is still the current "number one challenge." Macron believes that it will be a "reasonable expectation" to obtain a new crown vaccine in the next few months. Both France and Germany are currently conducting vaccine research and development.
Merkel said that her visit demonstrates the close relationship between France and Germany, and she believes that this visit will consolidate and deepen the consensus between the two countries on a number of issues. She also said that we should continue to attach importance to the response to the epidemic, especially the current rate of new coronavirus infections in many parts of Europe is increasing.
Macron and Merkel both stated that they discussed how to further implement the economic recovery plan reached at the EU summit in July to alleviate the impact of the epidemic on EU member states. According to the agreement reached at the EU summit, the EU's long-term budget from 2021 to 2027 is 1,074 billion euros; a revitalization fund with a total of 750 billion euros will be established on the basis of the budget. Macron previously stated that this is the result of the active promotion of France and Germany.
Macron said that during the meeting he and Merkel also discussed the situation in the eastern Mediterranean, the situation in Belarus, the situation in Libya, and the reconstruction and support of Lebanon after the bombing. Both French and German officials said that there are many important regional and international issues that urgently need to be discussed by the leaders of the two countries. (Finish)