Fireworks explode in the sky above the Eiffel Tower, in a picture taken from the Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck, at the end of Bastille Day events in Paris.Reuters
President Emmanuel Macron celebrated France's national day along with US President Donald Trump by watching the US and French soldiers march together through the Paris sunshine on Friday. The day also called for a double celebration as it marked 100 years since the United States entered World War One and France's annual Bastille Day holiday.
The parade featured a bi-national fly-past of American F16 and French Rafale jets symbolizing military cooperation in the Middle East and elsewhere. US troops dressed in the brown uniform and gaiters of the Great War were among 3,720 soldiers in the parade.
President Donald Trump was Macron's guest of honour at the national day celebrations in the capital. "Nothing will ever separate us," the 39-year-old Macron said from the reviewing stand. He added that Trump's presence by his side was "the sign of a friendship across the ages" between their countries.
In response to this, President Trump tweeted: "Great evening with President @EmmanuelMacron & Mrs. Macron. Went to Eiffel Tower for dinner. Relationship with France stronger than ever."
The ceremonies brought to an end a visit Macron needs as a boost to France's standing on the world stage - one which could also help a U.S. leader left short of international friends by his stance on free trade and climate change.
"Today our two countries stand taller - and more united - than ever," the 71-year-old Trump said in a statement issued by the White House after his departure. According to reports, the parade also witnessed yet another muscular handshake between the two men, this one lasting a full 25 seconds.
After the parade, Macron reportedly flew to Nice, where a year ago, a Tunisian extremist rammed a 19-tonne truck through a crowd celebrating Bastille Day along the famous Promenade des Anglais hugging the Mediterranean. In this gallery, IBTimes Singapore has compiled a series of images from the Bastille Day celebrations in France.
Fireworks explode in the sky above the Eiffel Tower.Reuters
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel.Reuters
Alpha jets from the French Air Force Patrouille de France fly over the Champs-Elysees.Reuters
French President Emmanuel Macron and�Chief of the Defence Staff French Army General Pierre de Villiers arrive in a command car.Reuters
French President Emmanuel Macron, his wife Brigitte Macron, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend the traditional military parade on the Champs-Elysees.Reuters
U.S. troops, with soldiers wearing WWI helmets, are seen prior to the start of the parade.Reuters
U.S. President Donald Trump is seen on a giant screen on the Place de la Concorde.Reuters
High-ranking officers from various countries use their smartphones.Reuters
Tanks pass in front of the presidential tribune.Reuters
Pioneers of the 1st Foreign Legion regiment carry their axes as they march.Reuters
French President Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump as First Lady Melania Trump looks on after the parade.Reuters
Tanks roll down the Champs-Elysee avenue with the Arc de Triomphe in the background.Reuters
French President Emmanuel Macron, his wife Brigitte Macron, U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump walk on the Place de la Concorde.Reuters
The Cavalry Regiment of the French Republican Guard parades.Reuters
French President Emmanuel Macron takes a selfie with a woman as he meets the crowds following the parade.Reuters
A French Renault FT-17 Tank of World War I is seen during the parade.Reuters
A camouflaged special forces member.Reuters
U.S. Air Force F22 Raptor fighter jets fly over the Arc de Triomphe.Reuters
French President Emmanuel Macron, his wife Brigitte Macron, U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump stand in front of the American flag at the end of the parade.Reuters
