Trump and Macron seek common ground on Syria, terrorism
Despite tensions over the Paris climate change accord, the two leaders have common interests in the Middle East.
WASHINGTON — After disappointing France with his rejection of the Paris climate agreement, US President Donald Trump may be looking for something of a reset when he meets with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. Both leaders have agreed to focus on areas of common interest, including fighting terrorism and trying to stabilize Syria, when they meet Thursday afternoon.
The two leaders met for the first time on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Brussels in May, where they were photographed awkwardly challenging each other on the strength of their handshake. Trump’s subsequent rejection of the global climate deal further chilled fledgling relations between the two men, which were already strained by Trump’s praise for Macron’s far-right opponent, Marine Le Pen.
