Obama to host state dinner for French President Hollande on Feb. 11

WASHINGTON–President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle will host a state dinner next Feb. 11 for French President Hollande and his partner, (“la compagne” du président) Valérie Trierweiler.

The last state dinner was in March, 2012 for British Prime Minister Cameron. A planned October State Dinner for Brazilian President Dilma Rouseff was scratched after she canceled a visit to Washington to show her outrage over the U.S. NSA spying on Brazil.

From the White House: “The United States and France are close friends and allies, including through NATO, and our countries have worked together to support democracy, liberty, and freedom at home and abroad for more than two centuries. During the visit, we will discuss opportunities to further strengthen the U.S.-France security and economic partnership.”