This will be their final meeting as German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has been in power since 2005, is not seeking re-election at Germany’s general election on October 26.There has been speculation that the French President will ask Mrs Merekl for a final favour as her 16-year reign as Chancellor comes to an end. Mr Macron's EU army plans were dwarfeed on Wednesday evening by the announcement of a defence alliance between the UK, US and Australia. The French President could ask Merkel to condemn the UK over the alliance as his final request.

       The pair will give statements to the media before sitting down for discussions and a meal. Other topics they will discuss will range from the upcoming French presidency of the European Union to the situation in Sahel.

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