Obama arrives in Normandy for talks with Sarkozy (1st Lead)

Jun 6, 2009, 10:37 GMT

Paris - US President Barack Obama arrived in the northern French regional capital of Caen Saturday for talks with his French counterpart, Nicolas Sarkozy.

Obama and his wife, Michelle, were warmly greeted by Sarkozy and the French first lady, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, and welcomed by several thousand cheering, flag-waving spectators.

The US president responded by plunging into the crowd, shaking hands and speaking with well-wishers, before he and Sarkozy and their wives entered the Caen prefecture for talks and a working lunch.

The discussions between the two leaders are expected to touch on a broad array of subjects, including Afghanistan, relations with Russia, Iran's nuclear program and global warming.

Later Saturday, Obama and Sarkozy would travelling to the cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the D- Day landings in Normandy.

They are to be joined there by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Britain's Prince Charles and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, as well as thousands of World War II veterans.

The event is being held to honour the Allied soldiers who died in the June 6, 1944, invasion of Normandy, which marked the beginning of the end of the war.

Following the ceremonies, the Obamas and their two daughters, Malia and Sasha, are scheduled to visit Notre Dame Cathedral and then dine together at a Paris restaurant.

The US president is scheduled to return home on Sunday while his wife and children spend one more day in the French capital.