国际英语新闻:French President Macron calls for stronger Danish commitment on EU defense

COPENHAGEN, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron called for more Danish involvement for a stronger EU defense, during a state visit to Denmark, on Tuesday.

"I believe Denmark is too modest about its European commitment...I think Denmark can do even more in Europe," Macron told a joint press conference with Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen.

The French President said he was keen to further enhance the connection between the two countries in the form of an strengthened military partnership.

Macron also hailed the strong ties between Denmark and France, saying that "our relationship is as strong as it always has been I was told that France has never been at war with Denmark."

For his part, Rasmussen said "we agree that the EU should be as close to citizens as possible, and that citizens should be able to rely on the EU to deliver solutions to problems when they are needed."

Macron is on a two-day state visit to Denmark along with his wife Brigitte Macron, the first such visit by a French president since 1982, at the invitation of Danish Queen Margrethe II.

Earlier on Tuesday, Macron visited the Kastellet citadel in Copenhagen, where he laid a wreath at a monument for fallen Danish soldiers before the meeting with the Danish prime minister.

During the visit, he also held a dialogue with Pia Kjaersgaard, Speaker of Danish Parliament, and with other party group leaders and chairs of relevant committees.

The couple participated in an official gala dinner at Christiansborg Palace late Tuesday.