French president Emmanuel Macron appealed to Donald Trump to embrace “universal values” as he joined the US president at a D-Day memorial service near Omaha Beach for American personnel who died in France.

The commemoration was an occasion for the two nations to showcase their friendship, but Mr Macron and Mr Trump were forced to acknowledge their differences on key issues when they met on Thursday.

Speaking at the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, the French president told his US counterpart “your country is never so great as when it fights for universal values”.

Praising international institutions, he added: “We shall never cease to perpetuate the alliance of free peoples. That is what the victorious sides did, when they created the United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. That is what the leaders of Europe did in bringing about the European Union.”

Mr Trump praised Mr Macron’s speech – and they even briefly hugged. The pair appeared more tense, however, as they started their one-on-one meeting later.

D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Show all 42 1 /42 D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Heavy artillery is fired after a France-US ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial as part of D-Day commemorations AFP/Getty D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures French elite acrobatic flying team "Patrouille de France" fly over after a France-US ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial as part of D-Day commemorations AFP/Getty D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures President Trump, First Lady Melania, French President Macron and wife Brigitte watch the fly over after a France-US ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial as part of D-Day commemorations Reuters D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Army vehicles head to head into Arromanches in Normandy on the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings PA D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Canadian veteran Don Deon poses with a container filled with sands of the Juno beach during the international ceremony to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings AFP/Getty D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Canadian veterans attend a D-Day commemoration event prior to the international memorial ceremony on Juno Beach in Normandy AFP/Getty D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (R) and French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe lay wreaths during the international ceremony to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings AFP/Getty D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures A commemorative parachute descent takes place over Sannerville, France during commemorations for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings PA D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures A commemorative parachute descent takes place over Sannerville, France during commemorations for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings EPA D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Allied World War II planes flypast during a memorial service at Bayeux War Cemetery in Normandy Getty D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Amphibious vehicles depart from the beach of Asnelles in Normandy as part of the D-Day commemorations AFP/Getty D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures French Rafale fighter jets fly over the Normandy American Cemetery at the end of a France-US ceremony to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings AFP/Getty D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Bishop Jean-Claude Boulanger leads a memorial ceremony at the Cathedral of Bayeux, Normandy EPA D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump walk on the red carpet during a France-US ceremony at the D-Day commemorations AFP/Getty D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures MV Boudicca sets sail from Portsmouth, flanked by Royal Navy ships as it heads for Normandy EPA D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures British veteran John Prior stands among the graves of fallen British soldiers during a Service of Remembrance at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Bayeux, Normandy AFP/Getty D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Len Perry, 95, from London, holds a D-Day 75 wreath while from Portsmouth to Normandy ahead of D-Day commemorations PA D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Pipe Major Trevor Macey-Lillie of the Scots Royal Artillery plays on the Mulberry harbour in Normandy to mark the exact moment when Allied Forces landed on D-Day 75 years ago Getty D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Crew of HMS Northumberland practice their salute as they prepare to take part in a sail past to honour D-Day veterans off the south coast of England AFP/Getty D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures A flypast of the Red Arrows, during the commemorations for the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings over Southsea Common, Portsmouth, Hampshire RAF/EPA D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures D-Day landing craft veteran, 94-year-old Ted Emmings of The Royal Navy, walks past a villa in Arromanche that is adorned with a photograph of him and other veterans Getty D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures US Second World War veteran Tom Rice takes part in a parachute drop over Normandy, France AFP/Getty D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Pipe Major Trevor Macey-Lillie of the Scots Royal Artillery plays on a Mulberry harbour in Normandy to mark the exact moment when Allied Forces landed on D-Day 75 years ago PA D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Military re-enactors look on as 280 paratroopers take part in a parachute drop onto fields at Sannerville, France Getty D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Theresa May and Emmanuel Macron arrive at a France-Britain ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings Reuters D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures German soldiers stands next to wreaths of flowers during a ceremony at the German war cemetery in La Cambe, Normandy AFP/Getty Images D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Military vehicles line the beach at Arromanches in Normandy, France, ahead of a day of events to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day PA D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Crosses of remembrance placed alongside a Union flag at dawn on the beach at Arromanches in Normandy, France Getty D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures US President Donald Trump makes a speech in Portsmouth AFP/Getty D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II and US President Donald Trump look up as aircraft perform a fly-over AFP/Getty D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Pipers of the 4th battalion Royal regiment of Scotland play AFP/Getty D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures British Royal Navy Chef Edward Baker (left) and Warrant Officer Jon Boreham, standing proudly in front of their D-Day 75 landings cake EPA/MOD/Crown Copyright D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures epa07627898 A handout picture provided by the Britihs Ministry of Defence showing Personnel from The Rifles, 16 Air Assault Brigade and Veterans pay tribute to those who secured Pegasus Bridge 75 years ago in Normandy, France, 05 June 2019. Approximately 280 paratroopers, including 130 British troops from 16 Air Assault Brigade and 150 from the French Armyâ€™s 11e Brigade Parachutiste, carried out a commemorative parachute descent onto fields on the outskirts of Sannerville. In the early hours of 06 June 1944, the same fields served as Drop Zone â€˜Kâ€™ for the 8th (Midlands) Parachute Battalion, who destroyed bridges to restrict German freedom of manoeuvre. World leaders are to attend memorial events in Normandy, France on 06 June 2019 to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, which marked the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe. EPA/Cpl Jamie Hart/BRITISH MINISTRY OF DEFENCE/HANDOUT MANDATORY CREDIT: MOD/CROWN COPYRIGHT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES Cpl Jamie Hart/BRITISH MINISTRY OF DEFENCE/HANDOUT EPA D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Theresa May attend an event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, in Portsmouth AFP/Getty D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Performers dressed as female soldiers take part in an event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings AFP/Getty D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures People in period dress at the Pegasus Bridge in Normandy, France PA D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles and U.S. President Donald Trump and other world leaders meet for an event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day, in Portsmouth, Britain June 5, 2019. Jack Hill/Pool via REUTERS POOL REUTERS D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures British Royal Navy members watch Red Arrows flight display during an event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day, in Portsmouth, Britain, June 5, 2019. REUTERS/Toby Melville TOBY MELVILLE REUTERS D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures A Commemorative Parachute Descent takes place over Sannerville, France, during commemorations for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 5, 2019. See PA story MEMORIAL DDay Parachute. Photo credit should read: Jane Barlow/PA Wire Jane Barlow PA D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by The Prince of Wales, pose for a formal photograph with leaders of the other Allied Nations ahead of the National Commemorative Event commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day, in Portsmouth, England, Wednesday June 5, 2019. Back row from left: Slovakia Deputy PM Richard Rasi, Poland PM Mateusz Morawiecki, Canada PM Justin Trudeau, Luxembourg PM Xavier Bettel, Norway PM Erna Solberg, Belgium PM Charles Michel, Czech Republic PM Andrej Babis, Australia PM Scott Morrison, Danish Ambassador to the UK Lars Thuesen. Front row from left: Governor-General of New Zealand Patsy Reddy, President of France Emmanuel Macron, Britain's PM Theresa May, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, US President Donald Trump, President of Greece Prokopis Pavlopoulos, Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte. Commemoration events are marking the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings when Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy in northern France during World War II.(Jack Hill/Pool via AP) Jack Hill AP D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures epa07627906 A handout picture provided by the Britihs Ministry of Defence showing paratroopers landing onto fields on the outskirts of Sannerville, Normandy, France, 05 June 2019. Approximately 280 paratroopers, including 130 British troops from 16 Air Assault Brigade and 150 from the French Armyâ€™s 11e Brigade Parachutiste, carried out a commemorative parachute descent onto fields on the outskirts of Sannerville. In the early hours of 06 June 1944, the same fields served as Drop Zone â€˜Kâ€™ for the 8th (Midlands) Parachute Battalion, who destroyed bridges to restrict German freedom of manoeuvre. World leaders are to attend memorial events in Normandy, France on 06 June 2019 to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, which marked the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe. EPA/Cpl Jamie Hart /BRITISH MINISTRY OF DEFENCE/HANDOUT MANDATORY CREDIT: MOD/CROWN COPYRIGHT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES Cpl Jamie Hart /BRITISH MINISTRY OF DEFENCE/HANDOUT EPA D-Day 75th anniversary: In Pictures Canadian Lt.-Gen. Richard Rohmer talks with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as they take part in the veterans reception as part of the D-Day 75th Anniversary event in Portsmouth, England Wednesday, June 5, 2019. Queen Elizabeth II and world leaders gathered Wednesday on the south coast of England to honor the troops who risked and gave their lives 75 years ago on D-Day, a bloody but ultimately triumphant turning point in World War II. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP) Sean Kilpatrick AP

Bilateral talks in Caen lasted for about two hours this afternoon, with Mr Macron and Mr Trump discussing major issues, including Iran, world trade and climate change.

The meeting was “positive,” a top official in Mr Macron’s office said after Trump left. He noted that being able to have long talks on dividing issues shows that “there’s mutual trust”.

Mr Trump played down differences with France over Iran, telling Mr Macron that they both agree Tehran should not have nuclear weapons, according to the French official. He reportedly reiterated his offer to reopen negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program.

Donald Trump shakes hands with Emmanuel Macron in Caen (AP)

On Gold Beach, one of two British landing sites, a lone piper played at 6.26am, the precise moment, 75 years on, that UK soldiers came ashore to launch the invasion.

Theresa May and Mr Macron attended a ceremony in Ver-sur-Mer, where a memorial to British troops is being created.

Ms May said: “It’s incredibly moving to be here today, looking out over the beaches where one of the greatest battles for freedom this world has ever known took place.

“And it is truly humbling to do so with the men who were there that day. ”It’s an honour for all of us to share this moment with you.”

A sculpture of three soldiers created by David Williams-Ellis was unveiled marking the beginning of construction for the memorial, which will bear the names of the 22,442 British armed services members who died in the battle for Normandy.

Ms May later joined Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and Nicola Sturgeon at a service in Bayeux and a further service at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in the town. Some 300 veterans of Operation Overlord also visited Arromanches for a service in the afternoon.

How D-Day was reported in the newspapers Show all 14 1 /14 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers How D-Day was reported in the newspapers People gather around a newsstand to purchase copies of the Chicago Daily News and the Chicago Daily Tribune as news breaks of the Allied invasion of Normandy The LIFE Picture Collection/Gett How D-Day was reported in the newspapers New York Post New York. Tuesday 6 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers The Evening News London. Tuesday 6 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers Daily Mirror London. Wednesday 7 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers The Star London. Tuesday 6 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers Los Angeles Times Los Angeles. Tuesday 6 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers Evening Despatch London. Tuesday 6 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers Manchester Evening News Manchester. Tuesday 6 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers The Washington Post Washington. Tuesday 6 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers The New York Times New York. Tuesday 6 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers The Daily Telegraph London. Wednesday 7 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers Daily Mail London. Wednesday 7 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers Daily Express London. Wednesday 7 June, 1944 How D-Day was reported in the newspapers Evening Standard London. Tuesday 6 June, 1944

Tobias Ellwood, the minister for defence people and veterans, and the chief of Ministry of Defence general staff, Mark Carleton-Smith, attended ahead of a Red Arrows flypast and a firework display.

Across the Channel, a service of remembrance and wreath laying took place at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire.

In Portsmouth, following Mr Trump’s visit on Wednesday, a veterans' parade was scheduled before a memorial service at the city’s D-Day Stone.