PARIS (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, a group called Paris Against Trump urged people to gather at Place de la Republique in order to protest Trump's visit.
"I have invited President Trump and I'm surprised that it sparks so many debates and protests, because this is the hundredth anniversary of intervention on our side of the US forces in WWI. We should never forget that our history exceeds us, the life of our states exceeds us, and the particularities of a character or the temperament which belongs to the moment we live in, should not make us forget that," Macron told reporters.
The president added that it was necessary to continue the dialogue between the two leaders, especially in the face of differences.
During his two-day visit to France, Trump will participate in the celebrations of Bastille Day, the French National Day, and hold talks with Macron.