US-France Relations: French President Emmanuel Macron addresses US Congress

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02:51

French President Emmanuel Macron is calling for the United States to 'engage the world'- while warning against isolationism. Wrapping up his three-day state-visit to Washington, Macron addressed the U.S. Congress -- with some strong words for the American lawmakers. Jim Spellman reports.

In a rare address by a foreign leader to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress, French President Emmanuel Macron played up long-standing ties between the two nations.

EMMANUEL MACRON FRENCH PRESIDENT "We have fought shoulder to shoulder many battles starting with those that gave birth to the United States of America. Since then, we have shared a common vision for humanity."

Despite that "common vision", the French president spent much of his speech pointing out differences between his country and the U.S. under President Donald Trump.

Macron spoke against trade wars.

EMMANUEL MACRON FRENCH PRESIDENT "I believe we can build the right answers to legitimate concerns regarding trade imbalances, excesses and over capacities by negotiating through the World Trade Organization and building cooperate solutions. We wrote these rules. We should follow them!"

Macron urged the U.S. to come back to the Paris climate agreement.

EMMANUEL MACRON FRENCH PRESIDENT "Let us face it, there is no planet B."

During his U.S. visit, Macron has tried to convince Trump to remain in the Iran nuclear deal.

Before House and Senate lawmakers, Macron spoke of respecting Iran's sovereignty and urged the U.S. to not scrap the deal while also talking tough using the kind of language Trump may respond to.

EMMANUEL MACRON FRENCH PRESIDENT "Iran shall never possess any nuclear weapons! Not now, not in 5 years, not in 10 years, never!"

Throughout the speech, Macron encouraged the U.S. to once again embrace multilateralism.

EMMANUEL MACRON FRENCH PRESIDENT "We can build the 21st century world order based on a new breed of multilateralism based on a more effective, accountable and results-oriented multilateralism a strong multilateralism. This requires more than ever the United States' involvement."

JIM SPELLMAN WASHINGTON "But multilateralism is a tough sell for a U.S. president who campaigned promising to put "America first" even when the message is coming from a close ally like France. Jim Spellman, CGTN, Washington."