French president begins day of official meetings in Washington

WASHINGTON

French President Francois Hollande began a day of policy meetings with an official arrival ceremony on the White House’s South Lawn Tuesday.

The French president was greeted by U.S. President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and a military honor guard. A military band played the national anthems of France and the U.S. as the two presidents looked on.

Following the arrival ceremony, Obama and Hollande will hold a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden will later join for an expanded meeting.

Following a press conference, Hollande will depart for the State Department where Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry will host him for lunch.

In the evening, the French president will attend a State Dinner on the South Lawn with the Obamas and Bidens.

englishnews@aa.com.tr