video transcript

German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomes French President Francois Hollande to the chancellery in Berlin on Tuesday. The two leaders are marking the anniversary of a treaty of friendship signed 50 years ago. The Elysee treaty was a symbol of reconciliation between the two nations after hundreds of years of conflict. Both Berlin and Paris were determined to put on a rousing display of unity. Merkel and Hollande have overcome an awkward start to their relationship, complicated by Merkel's vocal support for the French president's rival in the 2012 election and Hollande's condemnation of the German chancellor's austerity policies. Their governments are due to issue a joint statement announcing a will to work on new areas of cooperation, including on youth policy, culture, energy and defence. But both sides say little of substance will come out of the meetings in Berlin.