United States President,Donald Trump, and French President, Emmanuel Macron, are scheduled to meet for a dinner at the Palace of Versailles following next week’s Group of Seven (G7) summit in France, according to announcements made by both governments on Saturday.
The meeting will take place after the gathering of leaders from the world’s major industrialized economies in the lakeside town of Evian-les-Bains.
Trump is expected to engage in a series of bilateral discussions with several foreign leaders on the margins of the summit as he seeks to advance diplomatic efforts aimed at finalizing a deal related to the conflict involving Iran.
Senior US administration officials, speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity under White House ground rules, said the president’s schedule is expected to be filled with one-on-one meetings focused on regional security and international cooperation.
Among the topics expected to be discussed with allied leaders are plans to remove naval mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important shipping route. One administration official said growing optimism surrounding a potential agreement has prompted discussions about post-conflict security arrangements.
Britain and France have both indicated a willingness to participate in demining operations in the waterway should hostilities be suspended.
In addition to meetings with G7 partners, Trump is expected to hold separate talks with the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates regarding ongoing efforts to bring an end to the Iran conflict.
The summit officially opens on Monday and will bring together leaders from the United States, France, Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy and Japan, along with invited guest nations.
Macron’s office said the French leader will host Trump for a special dinner at Versailles on Wednesday to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. The Elysee Palace described Versailles as “a historic symbol of Franco-American friendship.”
The Palace of Versailles served as the residence of French monarchs from the reign of Louis XIV through Louis XVI and remains one of France’s most prominent venues for hosting visiting heads of state and international dignitaries.
The historic site has frequently been used for major diplomatic occasions. In 2021, Macron welcomed King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Versailles during celebrations marking the palace’s 400th anniversary, including a formal dinner in the Hall of Mirrors, one of the landmark rooms within the sprawling complex.
Earlier in his presidency, Macron also hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin at Versailles in 2017, before relations between the two leaders deteriorated following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Trump is expected to arrive in France on Monday afternoon. His departure from Washington will come shortly after celebrating his 80th birthday at a mixed martial arts event held on the White House lawn on Sunday evening.
US officials also confirmed that Trump plans to meet separately with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the summit. India, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt are participating as invited guests and are not members of the G7.
Economic growth, supply-chain resilience for critical minerals, artificial intelligence and illegal immigration are expected to feature prominently on the summit agenda.
The conflicts in Ukraine and Iran are also likely to dominate discussions among world leaders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend the summit as well.
Although no formal meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy has been scheduled, administration officials said the two leaders could still hold discussions on the sidelines of the gathering.
Trade relations are expected to be a key topic during Trump’s meeting with Modi. Officials said the leaders will likely review progress toward a bilateral trade agreement currently under negotiation.
The United States and India signed a joint framework agreement earlier this year, providing a foundation for ongoing trade talks. While one administration official said a deal remains achievable, it is unlikely to be finalized during the summit itself.
