President Emmanuel Macron arrive at Royal Palace reception in Stockholm

Accompanied by Swedish King Carl XVI Gustav and Queen Silvia, French President Macron was welcomed Tuesday with pomp and ceremony at the start of a two-day state visit to Sweden. Macron and his wife were greeted by the king in the inner courtyard of the downtown Stockholm royal castle.

Later Tuesday, Macron is to discuss the future of European security at a military academy in Stockholm, together with Kristersson and the king. Macron's two-day visit, which lasts until Wednesday, is the first French state visit to Sweden in 24 years.