U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron to the White House on Monday at the start of a three-day state visit expected to be dominated by U.S.-European differences on the Iran nuclear deal and souring trade relations. The White House said the setting will serve as a reminder of France's "unique status" as America's first ally. Macron and Trump, seen here in Paris in July 2017, have an unlikely friendship, despite strong differences on areas such as climate change. Syria, Iran, trade to be discussedTrump and the 40-year-old French leader began their improbable friendship a year ago in Belgium with a jaw-clenching handshake. While other European leaders have kept a certain distance from Trump, Macron has worked hard to remain close to the U.S. president, and the two leaders speak frequently by phone.

Source: CBC News April 23, 2018 13:35 UTC