Emmanuel Macron hails freedom 'rendez-vous' in US Congress speech

France's President Emmanuel Macron drew on the shared history and "special bond" with the US as he opened a joint meeting of Congress.

Emmanuel Macron hails freedom 'rendez-vous' in US Congress speech

France's President Emmanuel Macron drew on the shared history and "special bond" with the US as he opened a joint meeting of Congress.

Mr Macron told Congress, "the American and French people have had a rendez-vous with freedom".

In recounting common bonds from the earliest days of the United States, he was telling of a meeting between Ben Franklin and the French philosopher Voltaire, "kissing each other's cheeks".

In an apparent reference to his friendly meetings this week with President Donald Trump, Mr Macron joked: "It can remind you of something."

Mr Macron spoke today as part of his visit to the United States.

It is the first time a president from France has addressed Congress in more than a decade, but follows a tradition of foreign leaders appearing at the US Capitol.

PA

more courts articles

Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman
Coronation Street actor William Roache (91) given three months to settle tax debt Coronation Street actor William Roache (91) given three months to settle tax debt

More in this section

PALESTINIAN-ISRAEL-GAZA-CONFLICT Israel accused of using starvation as 'weapon of war' in Gaza
US and Japan seek UN resolution banning nuclear weapons in outer space US and Japan seek UN resolution banning nuclear weapons in outer space
Princess of Wales surgery Kate Middleton filmed smiling alongside Prince William during Windsor farm shop visit
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited