In Paris, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy have jointly commemorated the end of World War I.

The two government leaders laid a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The so-called eternal flame on the tomb was rekindled in memory of the victims of the war. This is the first time that a German government leader has attended the main commemoration in Paris. In 1998, then chancellor Gerhard Schröder greatly annoyed the French when refused to accept an invitation from the incumbent president Jacques Chirac.

The armistice which ended World War I was signed 91 years ago today. At least 10 million people were killed in the conflict, with seven million people still missing.

Photo: Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel at World War I commemoration (Screenshot TV/EPA)