"[The Battle of Verdun] stands for inconceivable atrocity and meaninglessness of war as well as for lessons from it and German-French reconciliation. Only one who knows the past, can learn lessons from it and, therefore, shape better future," Merkel said at the Verdun’s city hall, as quoted by the Bild newspaper.
Ahead of the ceremony, Merkel pointed out that the invitation to participate in the commemoration event was a sign of good relations between Germany and France.
Both leaders are also expected to use the ceremony to speak about the European unity on the threshold of the referendum on further UK's membership in the European Union.
The battle of Verdun erupted in February 1916 and ended almost 10 months later with a French victory. More than 2 million soldiers participated in the battle, claiming lives of over 300,000 people.
