Sarkozy in Germany
November 12, 2007
Sarkozy is bringing Prime Minister Francois Fillon and other members of his cabinet with him to Berlin for the talks, which form part of regular Franco-German government consultations.
"I am looking forward to the visit from France. We are friends, and that will be become apparent on this day," the chancellor said in her latest weekly podcast.
Germany and France face the same challenges when it comes to integration, she said in reference to efforts by both nations to assimilate their growing Muslim populations.
Merkel, Sarkozy continue Middle East discussions
The two leaders are expected to concentrate on the Middle East ahead of the US-sponsored peace conference for the region due to take place in Annapolis, Maryland, at the end of the month.
Both Merkel and Sarkozy discussed the conference with US President George W. Bush during their separate visits to the United States over the past week.
Merkel, who returned to Berlin on Sunday after a two-day stay at Bush's Texas ranch, is also likely to brief Sarkozy on her talks with the US president about Iran's nuclear activities.
The two leaders agreed that the dispute with Tehran should be resolved diplomatically and the chancellor backed strong UN sanctions if Iran fails to comply with demands to halt uranium enrichment.
Merkel to put pressure on business
Merkel also said she will urge German business to reduce ties with Iran in an effort to step up pressure on the Iranian regime because of its suspected pursuit of nuclear weapons.
During the Berlin visit, Sarkozy and Fillon will accompany Merkel to a high school where they will discuss current affairs with pupils.
On the fringe of the talks, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his French counterpart, Bernard Kouchner, are to record a rhythm 'n' blues song in support of integration.
The two ministers will be joined on Monday by the German-Turkish singer Muhabbet and seven Turkish girls for the recording on a German-Turkish label in Berlin's Kreuzberg district.