Trump, Macron getting friendlier in bilateral talks

World Today

U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron will take part in Bastille Day celebrations Friday. The two leaders are holding bilateral talks to find common ground on everything from the Paris Climate Accord, to counter-terrorism and Russia.

CGTN’s Kate Parkinson reports.

Follow Kate Parkinson on Twitter @KTP_news

President Trump touched down in Paris for a trip that appears to be a charm offensive. President Macron greeted Trump amid full military pomp before giving him a tour of the tomb of Napoleon.

The atmosphere between the two president seemed much more cordial than when they first met. The gritted teeth and white-knuckle handshake was replaced with slaps on the back and smiles.

While Macron and Trump do not see eye-to-eye on many issues, they seemed eager to downplay their differences after the talks. President Trump even suggested he could change his mind on pulling the U.S. out of the Paris climate accord.

“Something could happen with respect to the Paris accord, we’ll see what happens. But we will talk about that over the coming period of time and if it happens, that will be wonderful and if it doesn’t, that’ll be okay too,” President Trump said.

“I will not interfere in U.S. domestic policy, and I think it’s always good between partners and allies not to interfere in the other’s domestic life,” President Macron said.

“On the climate, we know our disagreements. We have expressed them and shared them on several occasions and I think it’s important to be able to continue to see how we can move forward on this issue. I respect President Trump’s decision,” President Macron asserted.

“What a good answer that is!” Trump replied amid laughter.

President Trump will be the guest of honor at the annual Bastille Day military parade on Paris’ famous Champs Elysee Avenue come Friday.

Trump is becoming increasingly isolated on the world stage, and Macron is positioning himself to be Trump’s friend in Europe.