Macron to host Trump for Bastille Day commemoration

By Hajer M'tiri

PARIS (AA) - An upcoming meeting between French leader Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Donald Trump will focus on Syria and counterterrorism, the Elysee said on Wednesday.

Despite their opposing views on several important issues, such as climate change, immigration and trade, Macron will host his American counterpart as guest of honor at Bastille Day celebrations on Friday.

Trump, on his first official visit to France, will be arriving in Paris on Thursday and will be greeted by Macron at the Hotel Invalides; this will be followed by bilateral meetings.

"We also anticipate the two presidents, in the introductory one-on-one meeting, will also share perspectives from the recent G20 meeting," according to a joint Elysee and White House briefing.

According to the Elysee, the two leaders will also discuss Trump's decision to pull the U.S. from the historic international Paris Agreement to combat climate change.

“Dialogue will continue” and disagreements will be “discussed and exposed frankly” according to the Elysee.

The bilateral discussions will be followed by a joint news conference.

Later, Macron will treat Trump a private dinner at a restaurant in the Eiffel Tower on Thursday night, with both first ladies attending.

On Friday, the Trumps will attend the July 14th military parade on the Champs-Elysees, which will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of U.S. forces landing on French soil during World War I.

According to the Elysee Palace, American troops will participate in the parade alongside their French counterparts.

Trump will leave right at the conclusion of the Bastille Day ceremonies.