Its president was greeted with smiles and a warm handshake. France Emmanuel Macron his Chancellor Germany Olaf Soltz in ParisHowever, the two leaders avoid answering questions about their differences.

Energy and economic issues were the main ones during the working lunch of the President of France with the Chancellor of Germany. According to the diplomatic circles of the Elysee Palace, Macron as well as Salts they focused on the initiatives their countries should take to develop the industrial sector in Europe and decarbonize it.

With regard to energy issues, they reaffirmed the principle of solidarity between France and Germany and their determination to fulfill their commitments regarding the limitation of gas emissions.

The question of strengthening the defense of Europe in the direction adopted by the Versailles summit held in February was also discussed. Finally, the issue of the restoration of Ukraine was discussed, as well as the issue of relations with China in connection with the transfer of the German Chancellor to Beijing.

The German chancellor traveled to Paris to find common ground after the cancellation – by Macron’s decision – of a joint meeting of the two countries’ ministers last week amid disagreements between Paris and Berlin over energy policy and defense.

After the talks, Mr Soltz said the two leaders had a “very good and important discussion” on energy supplies to Europe, rising prices and joint defense projects. “Germany and France are close and face challenges together,” he tweeted.

Both sides spoke of a “friendly” and constructive discussion. A French presidential adviser said “working groups” on energy, defense and innovation would be set up to “work closely on the next steps.”

But, according to Reuters, the number of issues on which France and Germany – the EU’s two richest and most powerful members – disagree is growing, from the EU’s defense strategy to its response to the energy crisis, relations with China and fiscal policy.

In recent days there have been many disturbing comments, especially from the French side, about the relationship between Paris and Berlin. At the recent EU summit. Macron warned Germany not to isolate itself, believing it would not benefit either Germany or Europe.

The mood in the two capitals is encouraging, although both sides acknowledge that “difficulties” have yet to be overcome. The crisis is “mostly in the imagination” of some, commented a French diplomatic source. “France is our closest ally,” insists the German government.

Moments before Soltz’s arrival, French government spokesman Olivier Véran downplayed any differences between the two sides, stating that France and Germany were always capable of overcoming difficulties. “Today’s meeting shows that this friendship is alive,” he added.

^{According to REUTERS, AFP, APE-MPE}