TOKYO: French President Emmanuel Macron left Japan on Thursday bound for fellow US ally South Korea, a day after praising Europe’s “predictability” in an apparent swipe at Donald Trump over the Iran war.
In Japan, Macron signed a roadmap on critical minerals and defense cooperation and on Thursday held more talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and met the imperial couple with his wife Brigitte.
On Tuesday US President Trump had called France “very unhelpful” over the Iran war, and the next day made fun of Macron, saying his wife “treats him extremely badly” while mimicking his accent.
The French leader on Wednesday had praised Europe’s “predictability” while in Japan, contrasting it those that “could hurt you without even informing you,” in an apparent nod to the United States.
Trump the same day also criticized South Korea as he urged countries dependent on the Strait of Hormuz to help reopen the key oil route.
