House Speaker Ryan invites French President Macron to address Congress

Thomson Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - House Speaker Paul Ryan has invited French President Emmanuel Macron to address Congress when he visits Washington in April, Ryan's office said on Wednesday.

"France is not only our oldest ally, but one of our strongest," Ryan said in a statement. "This is a special opportunity to build on the historic relationship between our countries, and to reaffirm our commitment to defeating terror both domestically and around the world."

Macron was asked to address a joint meeting of the Senate and House of Representatives on April 25.

It will be the second joint meeting since Republican Ryan became speaker, his office said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India addressed Congress on June 8, 2016.

A day earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump plans to host Macron for the first official state visit since Trump took office, the White House said in February.

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu)

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