French President rejects nationalism in Armistic Day speech

French President Emmanuel Macron has offered a rejection of nationalism in an Armistice Day speech.

Addressing leaders in Paris - including US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin - he described it as a "betrayal of patriotism".

Trump has proudly identified as a nationalist as he pushes the 'America First' agenda.

"By saying 'our interests first and never mind the others' you stamp out the most precious thing a nation has – its moral values," Macron said at an event in Paris marking the centenary of the World War One Armistice.

Recently, Trump tweeted to thank Macron for what he called a "beautiful ceremony" in the French capital. Trump did not refer to Macron's remarks in his tweet.

Events are taking place worldwide.

Some 9.7 million soldiers and 10 million civilians died in World War One from 1914 to 1918.

Macron and dignitaries walked to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial to France's fallen under the Arc de Triomphe, in the rain under black umbrellas as church bells tolled through the city.

In a speech lasting nearly 20 minutes, the French leader called on fellow leaders to "fight for peace".