President
Donald Trump agreed on Saturday on the need for Europe to bear more of
the burden for defence, papering over an earlier Trump tweet that
described Macron's call for a European army as "very insulting".
Seated on gilded chairs, Macron placed his hand on Trump's knee and referred to him as "my friend", while Trump too sought to find common ground on an issue that has caused friction.
"We want a strong Europe, it's very important to us, and whichever way we can do it the best and more efficient would be something we both want," said Trump. "We want to help Europe but it has to be fair. Right now the burden sharing has been largely on the United States."
Macron echoed those sentiments, saying he wanted Europe to bear a greater share of the defence costs within NATO, a point he has made repeatedly since taking office, alongside calls for Europe to develop its own military capability.
"That's why I do believe my proposals for European defence are totally consistent with that," Macron said in English.
Read more: Trump begins spat with Macron before marking WW1 centenary | Euronews
Meeting
for talks at the Elysee ahead of commemorations to mark the 100th
anniversary of the end of World War One, Macron welcomed Trump with a
firm handshake, but there appeared to be less immediate warmth between
them than in the past.
Seated on gilded chairs, Macron placed his hand on Trump's knee and referred to him as "my friend", while Trump too sought to find common ground on an issue that has caused friction.
"We want a strong Europe, it's very important to us, and whichever way we can do it the best and more efficient would be something we both want," said Trump. "We want to help Europe but it has to be fair. Right now the burden sharing has been largely on the United States."
Macron echoed those sentiments, saying he wanted Europe to bear a greater share of the defence costs within NATO, a point he has made repeatedly since taking office, alongside calls for Europe to develop its own military capability.
"That's why I do believe my proposals for European defence are totally consistent with that," Macron said in English.
Read more: Trump begins spat with Macron before marking WW1 centenary | Euronews
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