Macron and Trudeau rekindle diplomatic ‘bromance’ with Canada visit
French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday arrived in Canada where he was greeted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for a series of meetings mainly centred on French-language ties and the development of artificial intelligence. The two leaders, whose diplomatic “bromance” made world headlines when they met at a G7 summit in 2017, are both facing intense political pressure at home.
French President Emmanuel Macron, fresh from his own political struggles back home, meets Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday in the wake of the Canadian leader's survival of a no-confidence vote.
Macron, who arrived late Wednesday from New York where he had spoken at the United Nations, was received by his host at the Rideau Cottage residence in Ottawa, the Canadian capital, for a working dinner.
Trudeau, who appeared without a tie and relaxed on the steps of his home, had just escaped censure in a motion filed by his main rival, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.
The prime minister and his guest, who both embodied a new generation of young, optimistic leaders, are now experiencing similar political headwinds.
But seven years later, Macron is in a weakened position, having lost legislative elections that he himself called, forcing him to share power with a right-wing prime minister.
The French president will also meet with the premier of Quebec, Francois Legault. The meeting will take place in Montreal.
Read more on FRANCE 24 English
Read also:
Juno Beach, where locals honour the memory of Canadian D-Day veterans
France's PM Attal, Trudeau defend Canada-EU trade agreement
‘History comes alive’ as last veterans mark 80 years since D-Day
