French President Jacques Chirac wished Angela Merkel success as Germany's next chancellor on Monday, saying he was sure Franco-German ties would remain strong and Berlin would pursue reforms under her leadership, Reuters reported. Chirac telephoned Merkel to congratulate her and called departing Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, a close ally, to thank him for his contribution to Franco-German relations. He invited Merkel to visit Paris as soon as possible. "He wished every success to her, the future government and the German people," presidential spokesman Jerome Bonnafont told reporters. "He reiterated the priority he attaches to relations between Germany and France and said he was convinced that the tradition of fraternal relations and solidarity between our governments and our people will be even more strengthened, for the good of Europe." Bonnafont added: "He expressed confidence in Germany's ability to pursue the path of reforms." --more 2327 Local Time 2027 GMT
