Macron hosted a banquet to bid farewell to Merkel and awarded him the French Legion of Honor

[Global Times Comprehensive Report]According to a report by German TV One on the 4th, German Chancellor Merkel paid the last official visit to France on Wednesday. In the ancient city of Burgundy and the famous wine capital of Beaune, French President Macron held a private farewell ceremony for Merkel. In addition to hosting a banquet, Macron also awarded Merkel the Grand Cross, the highest rank among the French Legion of Honor.

When awarding Merkel the medal, Macron gave Merkel a hug. The Elysée Palace stated that this award is a tribute to Merkel’s 16-year ruling career and also symbolizes the strong French-German friendship she has maintained. According to reports, the dinner has distinctive French cuisine features, including red wine boiled eggs, meat sauce made with raisins and truffles, Charolais beef, fresh cheese and Burgundy wine.

In her speech, Merkel stated that Macron is the fourth French president (previously Chirac, Sarkozy, Hollande) that she has cooperated with during her 16-year term as prime minister, and the two have adapted and learned from each other. On a whim that night, Macron thanked Merkel for his “teaching” with emotional words, accepted him as an “impatient young president”, and said that he had learned a lot from Merkel. (Aoki)