France, May 7 -- French President Emmanuel Macron and Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday said they would strengthen defence cooperation, during Merz's first trip abroad since taking office.

Europe is seeking to build up its defences as the war in Ukraine continues and as doubts grow over how committed the United States will remain under President Donald Trump.

"We will set up a French-German defence and security council to meet regularly to bring operational responses to our common strategic challenges," Macron said at a joint press conference.

Merz, whobecame chancellor on Tuesday, has backed closer ties with Europe and the United States and is a strong supporter of Ukraine. He has promised to put Germany back on the...