PRESIDENT Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron have sought to diffuse tensions over comments by both leaders that threatened to cast a shadow over a weekend marking 100 years since the end of World War One.
The American and French leaders, who have had somewhat of an up-and-down relationship, worked to project unity of opinion over whether Europe should create an army of its own.
Their meeting got off to a testy start. Trump unleashed an angry Twitter jab at his French host as he arrived in France late on Friday.
He tweeted that Macron “has just suggested that Europe build its own military in order to protect itself from the US, China and Russia. Very insulting, but perhaps Europe should first pay its fair share of Nato, which the US subsidises greatly!”
Macron’s office said Trump misunderstood the comments.
The leaders met at the Elysee Palace and, asked about the tweet, Trump said Macron “understands that the United States can only do so much”, adding that the US wants to help.
Trump added that he and President Macron are “getting along from the standpoint of fairness”.
Macron defended his viewpoint, saying: “I do share President Trump’s views that we need a much better burden sharing with Nato and that’s why I do believe that my proposal for a European defence is utterly consistent with that.”
Macron said in an interview earlier this week that Europe needs to protect itself against “China, Russia and even the United States” in terms of cyberspace.
Later, Macron reiterated that Europe needs to build up its own military because it can no longer depend on the US for defence.
Trump has made similar arguments, particularly in urging Nato’s European members to increase its share of defence spending.
Macron greeted Trump with a handshake and pats on the arm, and both leaders flashed a thumbs-up to waiting reporters, but ignored their shouted questions about Macron’s remarks and Trump’s reaction.
In comment before the leaders went behind closed doors for talks, Macron referred to Trump as “my good friend” and appeared to tap him on the thigh.
The comments by Trump were a fresh sign that the “America first” president was ready to chart his own course yet again as world leaders gathered to remember the coalition that brought an end to the first global war in which millions were killed.
Trump will join scores of other world leaders today for a ceremony in the shadow of the Arc de Triomphe to mark the WWI centennial.
The president and first lady Melania Trump will also visit the
American cemetery in Belleau to pay their respects to US soldiers who died on French soil during the war.
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