By Michael Ventura
DNAinfo Senior Editor
MANHATTAN — Carla Bruni and Nicolas Sarkozy, the first lady and president of France, touched down in the US over the weekend in preparation for dinner with the president.
First stop: Manhattan. Of course.
Bruni and Sarkozy were spotted by paparazzi at the Carlyle Hotel on the Upper East Side and going for a stroll in Central Park on Sunday.
The couple kissed over lunch at The Boat House restaurant, the New York Post reported, stamping on rumors that their love is on the rocks,
Sarkozy was expected to deliver a speech at Columbia University Monday morning.
The trip is also expected to give a boost to Sarkozy, who has seen his popularity in France decline.
After their trip to Manhattan, Bruni and Sarkozy are to head to Washington where they are to have a private White House dinner with the president and First Lady Michelle Obama.
The presidents are expected to discuss sanctions against Iran and conflict in the Middle East, according to news reports.
