France–United States relations between France and the United States became friendlier after Nicolas Sarkozy was elected President of France in 2007. Sarkozy, who has been called "Sarko the American", has said that he "love[s] America" and that he is "proud of his nickname". In 2007, Sarkozy delivered a speech before the U.S. Congress that was seen as a strong affirmation of French–American ties; during the visit, he also met with President George W. Bush as well as senators John McCain and Barack Obama (before they were chosen as presidential candidates). Obama and McCain also met with Sarkozy in Paris after securing their respective
France at the 2016 Summer Paralympics play as against Sweden on September 16. France entered the tournament ranked number seven in the world. France qualified four competitors in the men's single event, Frederic Cattaneo, Stephane Houdet, Michael Jeremiasz and Nicolas Peifer. France qualified two players in the women's singles event. Charlotte Famin qualified via the standard route. Charlotte Famin earned her slot via a Bipartite Commission Invitation place. France at the 2016 Summer Paralympics France competed at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 7 September to 18 September 2016. The first places the team qualified were for four athletes in sailing events.