This is Macron's and also the first state visit by a European leader since Brexit in a trip aimed at celebrating the return of closer political ties between the countries. The last state visit to Britain by a French president was in 2008 with Nicolas Sarkozy.  

Britain has been trying to reset ties with European allies since Prime Minister Keir Starmer was elected last year.

The talks this week will focus on a range of issues, including how to stop people-smuggling and improving economic and defence ties at a time when the United States is retrenching from its traditional role as a defender of European security.  Macron will also address the parliament.

--ChannelAfrica--