"France has a very important relationship with Germany. But that does not mean that we agree about everything or that two of our universities or companies are not going to compete"

This quote by Jean-Pierre Raffarin talks to the value of the relationship between France and Germany. Regardless of the strong relationship in between the two countries, Raffarin acknowledges that there will be differences and competitors in between them. This is a realistic view of the relationship in between two countries, as it is difficult for 2 nations to settle on whatever. Raffarin is also acknowledging that universities and companies from both countries will compete with each other, which is a natural part of global relations. This quote highlights the significance of the relationship between France and Germany, while likewise recognizing that there will be differences and competitors in between them. It is a suggestion that regardless of the strong relationship between the two countries, they are still two separate entities with their own interests.