French President Macron Begins Historic State Visit to UK

French President Emmanuel Macron began a historic three-day state visit to the UK, the first by a French president since 2008, aiming to deepen cooperation on global challenges such as security, defense, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, migration, and culture. Macron was warmly welcomed by King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, with events including an address to the British Parliament and a state banquet where the King emphasized the shared determination of the UK and France to confront complex threats together. Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to focus on key issues like migration, particularly small boat crossings in the English Channel, amid rising anti-immigration sentiment and ongoing geopolitical instability. Despite past tensions from Brexit, fishing disputes, and submarine contracts, both leaders appear committed to strengthening ties, with Starmer aiming to secure a migration deal and enhance defense and trade cooperation. Observers note that while mutual trust is still being rebuilt, the visit signals a significant moment for Franco-British relations and European stability. Macron also publicly praised the UK's renewed engagement with the European Union, underscoring the visit's broader significance for European cooperation.