French President Emmanuel Macron began a landmark three-day State Visit to the United Kingdom on Tuesday, the first such visit by a French leader since 2008. The trip is aimed at deepening Franco-British cooperation on key global and bilateral challenges.

“Together, we will address the major challenges of our time — security, defence, nuclear energy, space, AI, migration, and culture,” Macron posted on X shortly after arriving in Britain. He also welcomed the UK’s renewed interest in strengthening ties with the European Union, calling it “a powerful signal” and describing his visit as “a significant moment for our Europe.”

Macron and his wife Brigitte were received at RAF Northolt airport by Prince William and Princess Catherine, before being formally welcomed by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle. Macron is also scheduled to address the British Parliament and meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Talks between Macron and Starmer are expected to focus on cooperation across defence, technology, and migration policy, particularly the surge in illegal crossings via small boats across the English Channel. Nearly 20,000 people have made the journey so far this year — a 50% rise from 2024.

The visit comes amid global instability due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Middle East tensions, and uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trump’s foreign policy. Relations between the UK and France had been strained in recent years over Brexit, fishing rights, and defence contracts, but Macron’s visit signals a willingness to reset ties.

Analyst Sebastien Maillard from Chatham House noted that while dialogue has resumed, “trust needs time to build,” given the lasting effects of previous tensions.