EMMANUEL Macron gave Donald Trump a bizarre pat on the knee even though the two leaders have been engaged in a war of words ahead of commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. The presidents of the United States and France met today for talks at the Elysee Palace where Macron, 40, called Trump “my friend” despite the pair openly disagreeing over the creation of an EU army. Trump, 72, said: “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. “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 words, 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. Trump is currently in France for the anniversary commemorations with the two leaders holding an hour of talks before having lunch with their wives. During the weekend, Trump is scheduled to make pilgrimages to two American cemeteries, Belleau Wood east of Paris on Saturday and Suresnes on the western outskirts of the capital on Sunday, where he will make formal remarks. Trump previously blasted… [Read full story]
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