Armistice Day 2018 Paris: Donald Trump, Angela Merkel and other world leaders join Emmanuel Macron to commemorate end of WW1

Sophie Williams11 November 2018

World leaders gathered in Paris to mark the centenary of the Armistice today.

Leaders arrived a few minutes late, missing the exact moment to commemorate the armistice that ended World War One.

French President Emmanuel Macron was joined by US President Donald Trump, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, Russian president Vladimir Putin and German chancellor Angela Merkel.

Over 60 heads of state and government took part in the solemn ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the French capital.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (front) arrives to take his place
EPA

They were seen lining up together with Mrs Merkel placed in between President Trump and Mr Macron.

The US president’s motorcade was interrupted by a topless protester as he made his way towards the memorial.

As the ceremony began, fighter jets could be seen passing overhead as the leaders walked to the Arc De Triomphe.

World leaders gather in Paris
REUTERS

Letters written by soldiers after they had received the news of the armistice being signed were read out loud in a range of different language.

One by an English soldier told of the celebrations at the end of the war while they were in Belgium.

Renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma played to the crowds.

Remembrance Day in pictures

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The 63-year-old award winning musician was seen dressed in a black suit as he performed a moving tribute to those killed while fighting for their country.

Mr Macron warned against the dangers of nationalism and said the "ancient demons" that caused World War One and millions of deaths are growing stronger.

He said: ""Patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism: Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism,"

Mr Macron added: "The lessons of the Great War can not be that of resentment between peoples, nor should the past be forgotten. It is our deeply rooted obligation to think of the future, and to consider what is essential."

President Donald J. Trump with First Lady Melania Trump
EPA

Following the ceremony, some of the leaders will take part in a peace forum pushed by host Mr Macron.

President Trump will not be attending, instead visiting an American cemetery on the outskirts of Paris before heading home.

On Saturday he was criticised for cancelling a visit to the Belleau Wood battleground northeast of Paris because of rain.

Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during in a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
AFP/Getty Images

Events are taking place around the globe to commemorate the end of World War One.

In London, the royal family, politicians and veterans gathered at the Cenotaph in Whitehall for the annual Remembrance Day ceremony.

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