Germany, France mark 50 years of reconciliation accord with Cabinet, Parliament gatherings

French President Francois Hollande, left, welcomes German Chancellor Angela Merkel in front of the Brandenburg Gate near the France embassy in Berlin, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013. They meet as part of events marking the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Elysee Treaty, a landmark accord cementing reconciliation between the two European powers. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) (The Associated Press)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, and French President Francois Hollande meet at the French embassy in Berlin during a day of celebrations marking the 50th Anniversary of the Elysee Treaty, Jan. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Thomas Peter, Pool) (The Associated Press)

Germany and France are marking 50 years of an accord that enshrined the two former adversaries' post-World War II reconciliation with a joint Cabinet meeting and a joint session of the countries' parliaments.

Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Francois Hollande are leading Tuesday's ceremonies at the chancellery and the Reichstag Parliament building.

The 1963 Elysee Treaty marked a milestone for two countries that had fought three wars in 70 years. Since then, they've cooperated closely on economic and cultural issues.

Germany and France have driven closer European political integration but have been sparring recently over how to resolve the continent's debt crisis.

Germany is also making only a small contribution so far to France's intervention to drive back Islamist extremists in Mali.