French President Emmanuel Macron said today that the United Kingdom is a strategic partner, ally and friend of his country, kicking off a three-day visit to London.
"Our relationship (between France and Great Britain) is long-standing, forged by history and strengthened by trust," Macron wrote on IX.
Macron arrived in London today for a three-day visit at the invitation of King Charles III, the first visit by a European official to the UK since it left the European Union (EU) in 2020.
During his visit, he is expected to discuss migration, defense, and investment with officials.
During his visit, Macron will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and discuss advancing the formation of security forces in Ukraine following the ceasefire with Russia.
Starmer and Macron have so far worked closely to increase support for Ukraine and strengthen its defense with European troops.
The United States (US) is indifferent to the idea, and Russia continues to launch attacks on Ukraine, which have been ongoing since 2022.
Macron and his wife Brigitte were welcomed at the Royal Air Force base by the heir to the British throne, Prince William, and his wife Catherine. He was later welcomed at Windsor Castle by King Charles and Queen Camilla, while a military band played the British and French national anthems. The king and queen are expected to host a state banquet for the Macrons and other guests.
The British royal family last visited France in 2023.
King Charles is not expected to talk about politics, except to appeal for international cooperation, and he said that France and the UK face "a multitude of complex threats that know no borders," and that "no fortress can protect them from them."
Macron will also address the upper and lower houses of the British parliament, and later talk to Prime Minister Starmer about preventing migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats.
The UK has, in recent years, concluded several agreements with France to increase beach controls and exchange intelligence, in order to crack down on smuggling groups.
Starmer's government has promised to dismantle these groups, which are suspected of engaging in human trafficking.
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