Macron: I’ve developed ‘trust and respect’ with Trump

French President Emmanuel Macron said that he and President Trump have developed mutual “trust and respect,” according to Vanity Fair.

Even though their relationship did not start on a positive note, Macron noted that their continuous communication and cooperation has led to a better understanding between the two leaders.

“We have developed a good level of trust and respect,” Macron told publication. “We talk on the phone on a regular basis.”

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The two met at a NATO summit in Brussels last year, where Macron snubbed Trump’s outstretched hand to greet German Chancellor Angela Merkel instead. When they later did greet each other, their intense handshake became a viral video.

However, after Trump visited France for Bastille Day and both leaders began communicating regularly, their relationship became more benevolent, according to the French leader.

Macron and Trump often discuss trade, military cooperation and terrorism, Macron said.

Recently, the U.S. and France, along with the U.K., carried out missile strikes against Syrian chemical weapons facilities in response to a chemical attack that is widely believed to have been carried out by the Syrian government.

Macron said on April 15 that he was able to change Trump’s mind about not staying in Syria long term. The White House for its part has said that the president still wants to pull U.S. forces out of Syria as quickly as possible.

Macron then amended his comment to say that neither country wants to maintain a perpetual presence in the war-torn country.

Later this month, Macron will become the first foreign leader that Trump will host for a state visit in Washington, D.C.