Europe and the UK must open new avenues of cooperation in the face of global“grand challenges”, French President Emmanuel Macron said on his arrival in Britain for a three-day official visit. “It is an important moment for our countries, it is also an important moment for our Europe.”

“We will approach together the big problems: security, defence, nuclear energy, space, innovation, artificial intelligence, immigration, culture. Many areas in which we want to take joint action, to deepen our cooperation in a tangible, effective and lasting way,”the French head of state wrote in X.

“The will expressed by the United Kingdom to move closer to the European Union is a strong signal that I welcome. It commits us collectively to open new avenues of cooperation while respecting our mutual interests.”

Emmanuel Macron arrived in the UK accompanied by his wife Brigitte. This is the first official visit by a European leader since Brexit.

Crown Prince William and his wife Kate greeted the French presidential couple as they exited the plane.

The couple will then be received at Windsor Castle by King Charles and Queen Camilla.