President Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE on Tuesday welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to the White House, hailing their close friendship as an example for the world.

"The wonderful friendship we have developed over the last year is a testament to the enduring friendship that binds our two nations,” Trump said during a formal arrival ceremony on the South Lawn.

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Trump said it is “truly fitting” that he is hosting the leader of the United States’s oldest ally for his first state visit as president.

The president and first lady Melania Trump Melania TrumpMelania Trump: Ginsburg's 'spirit will live on in all she has inspired' The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - You might want to download TikTok now Warning label added to Trump tweet over potential mail-in voting disinformation MORE rolled out the red carpet for Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron.

A military band played both countries’ anthems and both leaders inspected a group of 500 U.S. service members during the welcome ceremony. Lawmakers, Cabinet officials, Vice President Pence and other dignitaries were on hand to witness the pageantry.

Trump's remarks hinted at a number of world issues that he and Macron will discuss in a one-on-one meeting in the Oval Office.

The president thanked Macron for his “steadfast partnership” in this month’s joint missile strike on Syria.

But the two leaders do not see eye to eye on whether the U.S. should sustain its military presence in the war-torn nation.

Macron also raised the issue of climate change, an issue for which he has criticized Trump, especially his decision to announce a withdrawal from the Paris climate accord.

“It is together that we will be able to act effectively for our planet,” the French president said, with Trump standing at his side. “We do not always agree on the solutions … but it is also where the fate of our children is at stake.”

Macron also urged Trump to join him to “resist the rise of aggressive nationalism that denies our history.”

The French leader's election last year was seen as a rebuke to Trump's "America First" nationalism.

Macron is a vocal proponent of the liberal internationalism that Trump has repeatedly criticized.