French President Jacques Chirac, who is expected to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on Friday, said on Thursday he would like to resolve the "Airbus crisis" quickly "in a spirit of partnership," according to a statement issued on Thursday by the French presidential palace, Elysee.

Chirac and Merkel will meet in Meseberg, near Berlin, for an informal meeting dubbed "Blaesheim," as French and Germans confront each other over a crucial restructuring plan for the crisis-ridden European aircraft manufacturer.

"For the French president, Blaesheim should be a message of trust in Airbus, support of its management teams and willingness to resolve the issue quickly in the spirit of partnership, equal distribution of efforts and concern for the affected jobs," the statement said.

The announcement of the restructuring plan, originally scheduled on Tuesday, was postponed at the last minute after the shareholders of EAD, Airbus's parent company, failed to agree on the distribution of A350 long-range industrial program, in which Germany is doubtful of being sufficiently concerned.

Elysee, on the other hand, emphasized that "Blaesheim" was important before the European Council meeting to be held on March 8 to 9 which will be mostly devoted to the energy issue.

The Franco-German meeting is also expected to prepare for the declaration on the 50th anniversary of Treaty of Rome.

Source: Xinhua