German Chancellor Angela Merkel (3rd R) and French President Emmanuel Macron (3rd L) sign the treaty of Aachen to renew friendship and cooperation between the two countries in Aachen, Germany, on Jan. 22, 2019 (Photo: Xinhua)

The treaty was signed in the German city of Aachen as France and Germany marked the 56th anniversary of the Elysee Treaty.

The Treaty of Aachen aims to boost cooperation along the 450-kilometer Franco-German frontier and improve coordination between the two nations in tackling international problems like climate change and terrorism. Addressing the Aachen meeting, Merkel called the new pact a step toward a future joint military culture. She warned against rising nationalism in Europe and called for a revival of cross-border cooperation. Citing Britain’s departure from the European Union and growing protectionism around the world, Merkel noted that international cooperation is at a difficult time. Her words were echoed by President Macron, who noted that the anger inside Europe and outside pressure is growing.