German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Denmark today.
During her one-day visit, Merkel met the Danish queen, Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt and the pro-rector of the University of Copenhagen, Lykke Friis.
READ MORE: Thorning-Schmidt invites Merkel for a spring visit
Powerful women meet
After a private audience with Queen Margrethe at Amalienborg Palace, Merkel continued to Marienborg to meet Thorning-Schmidt.
The two state leaders discussed bilateral relations as well as current European politics and foreign policy issues, including the Fehmarn tunnel, the conflict in Ukraine, the current situation in the Mediterranean, and energy and security issues.
At 14:00, Merkel and Schmidt held a press conference, highlighting the close ties between the two neighbouring countries.
“We both feel committed to serving the friendship between our countries, even when there are no problems. Therefore, I am really, really happy to be here today,” Merkel stated.
The highly-publicised Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link dominated the press conference.
Merkel stated she was positive about the project even though it has been highly criticised in Germany.
Debating with students
Following the press conference, the two heads of state delivered speeches on the subject of the European economy at University of Copenhagen.
Afterwards, the university’s pro-rector, Lykke Friis, moderated a debate involving the pair and the students in attendance.
Merkel’s visit concluded at 16:15, and she is due to return to Germany this evening.
Merkel last visited Denmark in 2006 when Anders Fogh Rasmussen was prime minister.
