PARIS (AP) — President Joe Biden During a state visit Saturday by French President Emmanuel Macron, aimed at touting the two countries’ cooperation on global security issues and easing past trade tensions, Trump said France was “America’s first friend” at the country’s founding and remains one of its closest allies more than two centuries later.
Biden and Macron attended the commemoration ceremony. D-Day 80th Anniversary We met on Thursday and separately the following day. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in ParisThe two leaders used these efforts to underscore the urgent need to support Kiev’s fight against Russian aggression.
But Macron and Biden have often expressed frustration with the pace of aid to Ukraine, especially after the United States, the largest contributor to Kiev’s defense, was forced to suspend aid shipments for months as Republican lawmakers put the package on hold.
The state visit will begin with a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe, followed by a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in France and a military parade on the Champs-Élysées before proceeding to the Elysée Palace, where Biden and Jill will hold an official meeting and make an official statement. The visit will be followed by a state dinner hosted by Biden and Jill at the Elysée Palace.
While Biden and Macron put the Ukraine war at the top of the agenda for their talks on Saturday, the centerpiece of the weekend was the strength of the two countries’ longstanding alliance, forged at Normandy 80 years ago and whose roots run much deeper.
Biden, who described himself as a scholar of French history, said he was “deeply honored” to visit, noting that America’s ties with France date back to the War of Independence.
“France was our first friend,” Biden said, “and it remains one of our best friends.”
Macron praised Biden not only as the leader of a world power, but also as someone who brings “transparency and loyalty to Europe as a partner that loves and respects it.”
It appeared to be a subtle criticism of former President Donald Trump, whose “America First” foreign policy has rattled European leaders, who are now carefully considering the possibility that he could return to power next year if a leading Republican candidate beats the Democratic incumbent in November’s election.
after that, Statement of Principles Calling it a roadmap, the presidents noted the heritage of U.S.-French relations and the “price of peace and freedom” paid by past generations, and reaffirmed their commitment to a “united, free and peaceful Europe.”
Macron hosted Trump for Bastille Day in 2017 and the French president paid a state visit to Washington in 2018, but relations have since deteriorated.
Despite disagreements over whether to send allied trainers to Ukraine to help defend it against Russian aggression, Macron insisted, “I think we are on the same page about this war that’s escalating in Ukraine.” Macron eased previous concerns about U.S. engagement in Europe, which he has used to argue the continent must do more to defend itself, and praised Biden for his leadership. “Thank you for being on Europe’s side.”
Macron said he hoped the Group of Seven summit in Italy this week would agree a $50 billion “solidarity fund” for Ukraine backed by sanctions-hit Russian assets.
The two leaders also congratulated Israeli forces on Saturday’s rescue of four hostages being held by Hamas. “We will not stop our efforts until all the hostages are home and there is a ceasefire,” Biden said, while Macron criticized the Israeli government for not doing more to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Macron said he supports a ceasefire proposal pushed by Biden that would allow a surge of humanitarian aid to the region and the release of more hostages. The United States has said it is waiting for Hamas’ formal response to the proposed agreement.
Macron raised the issue of U.S. trade practices that he has frequently criticized, such as an inflation-fighting law that gives preferential treatment to American-made climate technology such as electric cars. He said the U.S., like China, has “decided not to respect the rules of international trade” by ramping up protections and subsidies, while European industry remains open and over-regulated.
As the two men met outside the palace, Biden appeared to suggest to his hosts that the US and Europe “can work together” and was heard telling Macron about a recent conversation he had with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who had opposed high US tariffs on Chinese electric cars.
Biden will host Macron at the White House in December 2022. First state visit since taking office As the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.
As the president’s trip draws to a close, the far right is likely to rise. One of the biggest winners In Sunday’s European elections, Macron Pro-European Union Movement The flag is up.
