German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hosted French President Emmanuel Macron in Berlin on Wednesday. It was Macron's first visit to the country since the German elections earlier this year, with both sides pledging to increase cross-border cooperation "at all levels".

The French president and the German chancellor met on Wednesday, July 23, to prepare for a joint cabinet meeting scheduled for August 29. From defense projects to trade negotiations, several disagreements remain.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron have emphasized the importance of the Franco-German partnership in challenging global political times. Following his inaugural visit to Paris in May,