Germany and France launch direct high-speed train between Berlin and Paris

The first Paris-Berlin high speed train at its platform at the Gare de l’Est station in Paris (Aurelien Morissard/AP)

Germany and France have launched a direct high-speed train between Berlin and Paris.

The connection was hailed as a symbol of a close friendship between the two countries and a sign of Europe’s potential to attract more travellers to the rails.