French, German leaders say nations must talk to Trump

The United States exited the agreement.

But Merkel said that there is no getting around interdependence in the 21st century. “Europe alone cannot win the war on terrorism.”

“There is no divergence between France and Germany in the manner of treating President Trump,” Macron said.

“We should never forget that history is bigger than us.”

Both leaders admitted some raw feelings.

“We also had to name clear differences, for instance regrettably the difference on whether we need the Paris climate accord or not,” Merkel said.

She added: “We did not paper over these differences, but nevertheless contact, the ability to speak is of course important.”

“We all agree that we need close co-operation on security questions with the United States of America, despite all differences of opinion,” Merkel added.

Neither leader elaborated on the project for a combat plane, but Macron said that it would be used in the armies of both nations with exports co-ordinated.

“I confirm it is a profound revolution, but we don’t fear a revolution when it is led in a peaceful way, built to last,” the French president said.

The two leaders also announced the Alliance for the Sahel for security and development in countries that are a source of immigration to Europe and a nesting ground for terror groups like al-Qaida.

Merkel said that such an engagement in Africa was new for Germany. France has deep connections with some of its former colonies in Africa, and Macron recently visited Mali.

Weighty topics were mixed with games. The two leaders started their day at a children’s centre in Paris, meeting children from both countries.

They answered serious questions concerning integration or religion. But they also bounced balls and introduced themselves in each other’s language.

Macron later announced that a bilingual program in French middle schools teaching German was being resurrected. As of next fall, there will be 50 per cent more German classes in France, he said.

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Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed.

Elaine Ganley, The Associated Press

by Canadian Press

French, German leaders say nations must talk to Trump

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