UPDATE - Merkel reaffirms goal to create an EU army

UPDATES WITH QUOTES BY GERMAN CHANCELLOR; CHANGES HEADLINES, EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Ayhan Simsek

BERLIN (AA) - A new treaty signed between Germany and France on Tuesday would facilitate to a stronger Europe, and the creation of a European Union army, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said.

Addressing the signing ceremony in Aachen, Merkel underlined their commitment to “a strong, viable and sovereign Europe” and stressed that new Franco-German treaty would deepen cooperation in defense, by developing a “joint military culture”, a common defense industry, and a common policy on arms exports.

“In doing so, we wish to give our contribution to a development of a new European army. This will only work if we coordinate at the same time our foreign policies,” she stressed.

Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron signed the “Treaty of Aachen” on the 56th anniversary of the historical Elysee Treaty, which marked the end of hostilities between the two neighboring states.

The 16-page long treaty foresees much deeper economic integration, closer cooperation in foreign policy and defense, and the design of a “European Defence Union.”

Reaffirming their commitments to NATO, both countries assure one another of every possible support in the case of an armed attack.

According to the new Franco-German accord, the Europe’s two major powers would also increase their efforts to strengthen the European Union, and conduct regular consultations before the EU meetings to better coordinate their policies.