New York [US], September 24 (HBTV): While attending the UN General Assembly in New York, French President Emmanuel Macron found himself in an unusual situation when he was stuck in traffic and had to call the US President directly.
Macron, who was travelling from the UN headquarters to a meeting at the French Embassy, was halted by New York police as the street was closed off for US President Donald Trump’s motorcade, France24 reported.
Visibly surprised, Macron pulled out his phone and called Trump. 'I'm waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you,' Macron said in fluent English, according to a video shared by BFMTV. Despite the call, the road remained blocked, and Macron eventually walked to his meeting at the French Embassy, where he was scheduled to have dinner with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
According to France24, the unexpected walk allowed Macron to continue his conversation with Trump, raising issues such as the situation in Gaza, particularly in coordination with Qatar. A French official described the phone call as 'warm and friendly,' adding that it served as an opportunity to discuss various global matters.
Although Trump has criticised Macron’s move to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN, the two leaders are believed to maintain a cordial personal relationship. They also held a brief 'pull-aside' meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA.
During their exchange, Trump made candid remarks on global conflicts and his diplomatic efforts, praising Macron’s role in peace negotiations. 'Emmanuel has actually helped me with a couple of the wars. We settled seven wars,' Trump said. He also admitted disappointment over the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, calling it more difficult to resolve than anticipated.
'The biggest disappointment, but I think that'll happen eventually, is the Ukraine and Russia situation. I thought that would be the easiest one because of my relationship with Putin. But unfortunately, that relationship didn't mean anything,' Trump stated.
Macron reiterated his support for Ukraine, suggesting there was potential for a 'good future' given Russia’s economic difficulties. 'If we back Ukraine concretely in this situation, given that the Russian economy is suffering, I mean, there is this opportunity of a good future,' he said.
(ANI)