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Copenhagen (AP) - Germany and its northernmost neighbor Denmark have agreed on a joint declaration of friendship.

"We want to develop our friendly relations together and work together even more politically, economically and culturally in the future," said Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) on Tuesday after an online meeting with Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod and several school ambassadors from the border region.

Among other things, according to Maas, the two neighbors want to further expand their cooperation in renewable energies, environmental protection and development work.

"Although Germany and Denmark only share a short border, they now have a long tradition of friendly cooperation," said Maas.

The minorities in the German-Danish border area played a particularly important role and were "bridge builders across the border".

An original against one another has become one with and finally one for one another.

"Denmark's relationship with Germany is something very special," said Kofod.

“We share common values, we work closely in the EU and in international organizations.

And Germany is our strongest trading partner. "

This relationship should be protected and strengthened.

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The border between Germany and Denmark was redrawn in 1920.

This created minorities on both sides of the border.

The border area has grown together over the years and is now considered a prime example of living together in a border region.

All of this should actually be celebrated on the 100th anniversary, including a German-Danish cultural friendship year with numerous events in both countries.

However, a lot had to be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, and some events were postponed to 2021.

The foreign ministries have now drawn up a joint political declaration to mark the year of friendship and the 100th anniversary of the peaceful demarcation of borders.

Among other things, it says: "Our goal is to work together to permanently overcome the Covid 19 pandemic and to contribute to Europe's economic recovery."

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© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210316-99-845164 / 2

Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in Danish)

German-Danish declaration of friendship (in German)

Commentary Kofod (in Danish)