Trump touts ties amid Paris pomp

US leader ends French visit, saying relationship is 'stronger than ever'

The US Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel during the traditional Bastille Day military parade in Paris, France, on Friday.Philippe Wojazer / Reuters

PARIS - US President Donald Trump watched US and French soldiers march together through the Paris sunshine on Friday in a double celebration marking 100 years since the United States entered World War I and France's annual Bastille Day holiday.

The occasion, also featuring a binational fly-past of fighter jets symbolizing military cooperation in the Middle East and elsewhere, followed a day of talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, a first ladies' tour of Paris, and a dinner for the four at a restaurant in the Eiffel Tower.

"Great evening with President Emmanuel Macron & Mrs Macron. Went to Eiffel Tower for dinner. Relationship with France stronger than ever," Trump said in a tweet.

The ceremonies bring to an end a visit Macron needs as a boost to France's standing on the world stage - one which could also help a US leader left short of international friends by his stance on free trade and climate change.

Trump, also dogged at home by an investigation into alleged Russian interference in the US election last year, said he would invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to the White House but added that now was not the right time for that.

Also, he appeared on Thursday to leave the door open for more talks on the Paris accord which he pulled the US out of earlier this year.