Tinubu, Macron dine at Élysée Palace

President Bola Tinubu stepped into the historic Élysée Palace in Paris on Thursday evening for an exclusive private dinner hosted by French President, Emmanuel Macron.

He was received upon arrival by Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Ayodele Oke.

Inside the palace, the dinner offered a backdrop of classic French elegance, with the intimate engagement providing a more relaxed setting than the usual formalities associated with meetings between two heads of state.

Photographs released from the evening captured relaxed moments between Tinubu and Macron as they moved through the grand interiors of the palace.

At one point, the two presidents were pictured walking side by side and holding hands as they made their way through the lavish surroundings. The imposing setting, with its towering columns, ornate interiors and glittering chandeliers, provided a grand backdrop to the evening.

Tinubu looked dapper in a sharply tailored blue suit, paired with a white shirt and patterned tie, while Macron opted for a dark navy suit, white shirt and matching patterned tie.

Inside the dining room, the two leaders were pictured seated opposite each other at an elegantly arranged table. The setting featured fine glassware, carefully arranged tableware and a floral centrepiece, while the room itself exuded old-world grandeur, with elaborate gold detailing, large mirrors and ornate furniture.

Away from the formalities of official meetings, the photographs showed the two leaders appearing relaxed in each other’s company.

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In one photograph, Macron was seen smiling across the table while Tinubu appeared engaged in conversation. Another showed Tinubu, Macron and France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron, together at the palace.

The presidents were also pictured walking through the palace, smiling as they held each other.

One of the evening’s striking moments came as Tinubu prepared to leave. The two leaders exchanged a warm embrace beside the waiting vehicle, with Macron wrapping his arms around Tinubu in a gesture that added a personal touch to the otherwise ceremonial evening.

The Presidency said the dinner reflected the enduring relationship between Nigeria and France and the two countries’ shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Tinubu also described the dinner as a pleasure, thanking Macron for his hospitality and friendship.