Francois Hollande is in the US for a three-day visit.

Mr Hollande's formal welcome to the White House included a military parade. He will be the first French president to be celebrated with a formal state dinner at the White House in 18 years.

Relations have improved between the two countries following their fall-out over the invasion of Iraq more than a decade ago.

Mr Obama said France was one of America's "oldest and closest allies".