MACRON, FIRST EUROPEAN LEADER IN THE WHITE HOUSE

Anticipating the other members of the European Union (EU), French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Washington on Monday to hold talks at the White House with Donald Trump; a meeting that both leaders described as “affable”.

In fact, acting as spokesman for the EU, Macron reproaches Trump for maintaining a policy of retaliation with the Europeans, whom he accuses of a whole series of problems: tariffs; NATO quota; restrictions on meat imports; imposition of genetically modified foods and other aspects where the differences are notable.

However, France should be a primary partner given that it participated in the American struggle for independence against the British. The symbol of friendship between Americans and French is the Statue of Liberty, installed on an island in front of New York. A work built by the French.

In a joking manner, Trump told him that the United States also has “a Macron”; the name of a town in Georgia. Moving on to more serious matters, the White House occupant told his guest that relations with the EU “are not as good as we would like.”

But the French leader tried to reduce the signs of tension, responding that bilateral relations are progressing and that they should continue on that path.

Macron, who was the first European leader to visit Washington, D.C., since the U.S. president returned to office Jan. 20, said they made "substantive steps forward" and "share the same beliefs" of a lasting peace but warned Russia could violate a negotiated agreement. Macron said Europe would take on a larger role in Ukraine.

The White House readout of the call said it was "friendly" and it lasted about 30 minutes. They talked about "the Ukraine War, the upcoming meeting of European nations tomorrow and the talks in Saudi Arabia between U.S. and Russian officials," the statement said.