Trump, Macron plan "lengthy lunch" in BrusselsMay 15, 2017 - 11:20 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - President Donald Trump and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron are to hold a "lengthy lunch" in Brussels this month - a bonding exercise for two men the White House believes have much in common, AFP reports. Senior US administration officials told AFP that Trump will break bread with Macron on May 25 in Brussels and "compare perspectives." The White House believes the 39-year-old French centrist -- who took office on Sunday, May 14 -- and the 70-year-old US leader are not as uncomfortable allies as it first may seem. This despite suspicions that Trump would have preferred far-right candidate Marine Le Pen to win the recent French election. For one, both Macron and Trump are presidential neophytes. "They are two of the newest leaders to the stage," said a senior Trump administration official, adding that a recent phone call between the two leaders very well. Trump "was very impressed with Mr Macron," said the official, who had direct knowledge of the call. Trump ? who regularly gripes about getting insufficient credit for his November 2016 election victory ? was impressed that Macron won almost 50 percent more votes than Le Pen. "It was clearly a very strong electoral win," said the official, who asked not to be named in order to discuss sensitive issues. Photo. REUTERS/Eric Feferberg/Pool Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |