UK’s Burnham, Merz to talk security in Berlin
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is to be welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday with military honors at one of the French capital’s best-known landmarks, the Arc de Triomphe, at the start of a state visit.
Following the ceremony, the German head of state is to hold talks with Macron at the Elysee Palace, with an ensuing joint press statement.
Steinmeier will then be received for a state banquet at the palace, the official residence of the French president.
On Friday, Steinmeier is to travel with Macron to the southwestern city of Bordeaux, where the two will visit two facilities connected with atomic deterrence.
Before leaving for France, Steinmeier said he saw the trip as a kind of farewell visit to Macron, whom he described as a “committed European and a good friend.”
Both men took office in 2017 and both will be stepping down early next year.
However, their roles are very different despite their having the same title: The German president has, in the main, ceremonial duties, while Macron is the head of government and holds executive power.
