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Germany's Merkel Meets with Chirac in Paris
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Two leaders reaffirmed strong ties between their two countries





French President Jacques Chirac kisses the hand of German Chancellor
Angela Merkel, as she leaves the Elysée Palace in ParisGermany's new
leader Angela Merkel and French President Jacques Chirac have
reaffirmed the strong ties between their two countries.

The two spoke in Paris Wednesday as Ms. Merkel stopped in the French
capital on her first trip abroad following her installation Tuesday as
German chancellor.

President Chirac said France and Germany share a common vision of
Europe, and that close ties between the two nations are necessary for
a strong European Union.

Ms. Merkel arrives in Brussels later Wednesday for meetings with EU
and NATO officials. She visits London on Thursday.



The new German leader has said she is interested in moving beyond
strong relations with such allies as France and Britain to a closer
partnership with the European Union.

Ms. Merkel is Germany's first female head of government as well as the
first chancellor from the former communist East Germany.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.


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