PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Donald Trump to Paris on Saturday with a full dose of presidential pomp as the 2 held a swiftly organized assembly with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier than celebrating the grand reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral.
On a day that blended pageantry with consideration to urgent international issues, the as soon as and future American president was warmly embraced by Macron upon arriving on the Elysee Palace.
“It’s a great honor for French people to welcome you five years later,” Macron advised Trump.
Trump mentioned it was a “very great honor” to be there.
An precise pink carpet was rolled out for Trump as Macron bestowed the form of full diplomatic welcome that France presents sitting American presidents, full with trumpets blaring and members of the Republican Guard in full uniform. It was a transparent signal that regardless that Trump doesn’t take workplace till Jan. 20, 2025, Macron and different European leaders are already working to win his favor and treating him as America’s consultant on the world stage.
President Joe Biden declined an invite to attend the Notre Dame ceremony, 5 years after a fireplace, with the White Home citing a scheduling battle. First woman Jill Biden took his place.
Macron and leaders throughout Europe are attempting to steer the president-elect to keep up assist for Ukraine in its protection towards Russia’s invasion. Macron’s workplace mentioned the warfare, together with conflicts within the Mideast, can be mentioned.
As Trump arrived on the official residence of the French president, Macron went out of his option to mission a picture of shut ties, providing handshakes and loads of back-patting for the cameras.
Trump spent about 90 minutes inside, assembly first with Macron earlier than they had been joined by Zelenskyy for about 35 minutes.