President Donald Trump treated French President Emmanuel Macron to a colorful welcome ceremony at the White House on Tuesday.
The two leaders were then to launch into a morning of talks expected to include how to salvage the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which Trump wants to withdraw the United States from unless European powers strengthen its terms.
Trump, in welcoming remarks, thanked France for joining with the United States and Britain in launching airstrikes in Syria earlier this month in response to a chemical weapons attack blamed on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
President Donald Trump (R) and first lady Melania Trump preside over the official arrival ceremony for French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron (L) on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on April 24, 2018. (REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump welcome French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron during an arrival ceremony at the White House in Washington on April 24, 2018. (REUTERS/Joshua Roberts)
President Donald Trump (R), first lady Melania Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron (L) raise their hands in the air while on the Truman Balcony during the official arrival ceremony for the Macrons on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on April 24, 2018. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)
Macron, in his remarks, called for the two countries to work together against Islamist militants, on North Korea and Iran, on “free and fair trade,” and on climate change.
“It is together that we will counter the proliferation in weapons of mass destruction, whether it is in North Korea or in Iran,” Macron said.
In the evening, the Trumps are to host the Macrons at the first state dinner conducted by Trump since assuming office.
French President Emmanuel Macron (L) looks on as President Donald Trump speaks during their meeting in the Oval Office following the official arrival ceremony for Macron at the White House in Washington on April 24, 2018. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)
French President Emmanuel Macron (L) looks on as President Donald Trump gestures toward him during their meeting in the Oval Office following the official arrival ceremony for Macron at the White House in Washington on April 24, 2018. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)
French President Emmanuel Macron (L) and President Donald Trump shake hands during their meeting in the Oval Office following the official arrival ceremony for Macron at the White House in Washington on April 24, 2018. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)
Macron hosted Trump in Paris last year. The pair attended a military parade on Bastille Day. The parade inspired Trump to call for a military parade in the United States. The Pentagon announced that the parade will take place on November 11, which is also Veteran’s Day.
Epoch Times reporter Ivan Pentchoukov contributed to this report.
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