Macron, Trump in show of unity after EU defense spat

World
Europe

00:40

US President Donald Trump and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron sought Saturday to ease tensions caused by a defense row that risked clouding World War I centenary commemorations in Paris.

Trump was one of dozens of world leaders taking part in events to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the war.

On Saturday, he and his wife Melania canceled a trip to Belleau Wood battlefield and cemetery in northern France, citing "scheduling and logistical difficulties" caused by the rainy weather.

US President Donald Trump (L) and French President Emmanuel Macron (2nd L) meet at the Elysee Presidential Palace, as part of the commemoration ceremony for Armistice Day, 100 years after the end of World War I, in Paris, France, November 10, 2018. /VCG Photo

Coming on the eve of Veterans Day in the United States, the decision drew criticism on social media, where many noted that the rain had not stopped Macron, Germany's Angela Merkel or Canada's Justin Trudeau from paying their respects to the dead.

Ceremonies have been held across the world this week in honor of the 18 million soldiers and civilians who perished in World War I.

'Fruitful' talks, despite EU defense row

Macron hailed his three-hour talk with visiting US President Donald Trump as "fruitful," despite their brief spat on Europe-US defense cooperation.

"We have decided, President Trump and I, to work together for the stability of the Middle East, which will have a positive impact on the price of oil," he said on his Twitter account, noting that their closed-door conversation focused on issues of counter-terrorism, European defense, Iran, Syria, the Gulf region and Libya, among others.

Earlier Saturday, Macron received Trump at the Elysee Palace. In his opening remarks, Macron told reporters that he shares "Trump's view that we need a better budgetary within NATO ... because it means more Europe and more capacity within NATO, in order to keep ourselves secure."

French President Emmanuel Macron (R) welcomes US President Donald Trump at the Elysee Palace on the eve of the commemoration ceremony for Armistice Day, 100 years after the end of World War I, in Paris, France, November 10, 2018. /VCG Photo

Trying to defuse the episode, Macron also recalled "the tremendous solidarity" linking the "oldest allies."

Responding to a spat between him and Trump over his proposal for a "real European army," Macron insisted that his proposal "is truly consistent with" Trump's demand for European NATO members to raise their defense budget.

Hours ago, upon his arrival in Paris, Trump slammed Macron's suggestion of "a real European army" as "very insulting."

Asked what he meant when he tweeted that he felt insulted by Macron's comments that Europe should reduce its dependence on the United States for security, Trump said: "We want to help Europe but it has to be fair. Right now the burden sharing has been largely on the United States."

Trump described himself and Macron as "very good friends" and said he "appreciated" the remarks about burden sharing.

Macron, Trump want more details on Khashoggi killing

Trump and Macron agreed during their talks that the Saudi authorities needed to shed full light on the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Turkey last month, a French presidency source said.

The two leaders also agreed that the Khashoggi affair should not be allowed to cause further destabilization in the Middle East and that it could create an opportunity to find a political resolution to the war in Yemen, according to the official.

(With inputs from agencies)