Trump to attend Notre Dame reopening in first overseas trip since election
Al Jazeera
US president-elect says he will visit Paris for ‘very special day’ celebrating restoration of fire-damaged cathedral.
Donald Trump has announced he will attend the reopening of Notre-Dame, the Paris landmark gutted by fire five years ago, in his first overseas trip since winning the United States presidential election.
The 12th-century Gothic masterpiece, which was badly damaged by fire in 2019, is set to reopen its doors to visitors and the Catholic faithful on Saturday and Sunday.
Dozens of world leaders are expected to attend the unveiling of the restoration, which French President Emmanuel Macron has likened to the healing of a “national wound”.
“It is an honor to announce that I will be traveling to Paris, France, on Saturday to attend the re-opening of the magnificent and historic Notre Dame Cathedral, which has been fully restored after a devastating fire five years ago,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday.
“President Emmanuel Macron has done a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so. It will be a very special day for all!”
Beijing bans exports of critical minerals to US, and several industry groups tell companies to avoid US chips.
The latest US sanctions are part of an effort to disrupt Iran’s use of oil revenue to finance its nuclear programme.
Thousands of children were forcibly taken from their families in Belgium’s African colonies because they were mixed-race.
Pakistan wins by 10 wickets to take a 2-0 lead with one match to play in the three-game series.
Demonstrations broke out after PM Irakli Kobakhidze postponed EU membership talks until 2028.
French lawmakers introduced a vote of no-confidence against MIchel Barnier’s administration over a budget dispute.
Critical infrastructure in several NATO states has been damaged in recent months, with ‘sabotage’ suspected.
Washington suggested teenagers join the war as Ukraine demanded more aid, signalling a rift between allies.
Raising tariffs on US goods may hurt the economy, but can Trump push them through anyway?
Israeli military has ordered areas of Khan Younis cleared while at least 14 people killed in strikes in northern Gaza.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is leading the presidential race but could be forced into a run-off vote.