Merkel puts in Paris appearance after being sworn in

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, hours after being sworn in, arrived in Paris Wednesday to attend an evening meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy at Elysee Palace.

Sarkozy congratulated Merkel on her re-election and highlighted their common positions over "almost all subjects" in the upcoming European Union summit on Thursday in Brussels.

"France and Germany should serve as exemplary role models in the European integration process," Merkel said.

She also recognized the importance of enhancing bilateral ties, adding that Germany would focus on promoting bilateral cooperation with France in areas such as education, research and economy.

"We will reinforce our common approaches, particularly concerning the preparation of young people for the future," she promised.

Sarkozy expressed his pleasure over an invitation to attend the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall on Nov. 9. He added that Merkel would participate in a similar event at the Arc de Triomphe on Nov. 11 to commemorate Armistice Day, an anniversary which celebrates the end of World War I in 1918.

If the German chancellor appears at the site of the tomb of the unknown soldier under the Arc de Triomphe as scheduled, she will be the first-ever German leader to appear at a former enemy's commemoration.

Source: Xinhua