Macron offers Trump replacement 'friendship' tree

Thursday, 13 June 2019 10:06

French president Emmanuel Macron has promised to send a new oak tree to his American counterpart Donald Trump after the first one died in quarantine.

In an interview with Switzerland's RTS network, Macron downplayed the death of the oak tree, saying people shouldn't read symbols into everything.

"It's no big drama," Macron said. "The symbol was to plant it together."

"I'll send another oak because I think the US Marines and the friendship for freedom between our peoples is well worth it."

After the tree's death was reported across global channels, many on social media had found the symbolism satirical.

More from International

Floods, landslides kill 56 in India and 14 in Nepal

Heavy rain and storms have triggered floods and landslides that killed 56 people in India, while in Nepal, 14 have died and another 11 are missing, with authorities warning on Sunday that more flash floods are possible.
British police arrest five men at US air base in major incident

British police arrested five men near a US air base on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offences on Sunday after a tip-off that three vans had been heading to the military airfield which has been used to strike Iran.
Bill Gates joins calls for AI safeguards, including legislation

AI requires safeguards that go beyond self-regulation, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said in an interview that aired on Sunday, calling for legislation to be passed in Congress.
Russian attacks kill three in Ukrainian cities

Russian attacks killed three people in two different Ukrainian cities on Sunday and struck districts of the capital Kyiv, local officials said.
South African police hunt suspects after 27 killed in two separate shootings

South African police were on Sunday hunting the perpetrators of two separate shootings that killed 27 people within hours of each other, in stark reminders of the country's problem with gun violence.

The Business Breakfast
6:00am - 10:00am

The Business Breakfast is the day’s must listen for the UAE’s business leaders, and those who aspire to be.
The Agenda
10:00am - 1:00pm

Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the USA
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the US to boost economic and technology ties including AI.
New iPhone Launch - Too Soon For Apple?
Apple Inc. shares fell Monday after a closely followed analyst warned that demand for the firm’s new iPhone 16 Pro model has been lower than expected. Is this a sign that the AI software just isn’t ready?
Working From Home or Hardly Working?
Does working from home kill productivity or can it benefit staff by giving them more flexibility and a better work/life balance?

Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE
Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?
Noon's First Female Delivery Driver
Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!