PARIS (AP) — President Joe Biden France was honored as the United States’ “first friend” at its founding and one of its closest allies for more than two centuries, French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday was honored with a state visit to show their partnership on global security issues and ease the past. Trade tensions.
“United, divided, we fall,” Macron toasted Biden at a state dinner. “We are in alliance and will remain in alliance.”
Both Biden and Macron attended the festivities 80th Anniversary of D-Day He met separately on Thursday and the next day Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris. Both leaders used those engagements to underscore the urgent need to support Kevin’s fight against Russian aggression.
But Macron and Biden have often clashed over the pace of support for Ukraine, especially since the United States, Kiev’s biggest contributor to security, was forced to withhold aid for months while congressional Republicans stalled the aid package.
The state visit began on Saturday at the Arc de Triomphe, which included a wreath-laying at France’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a military parade down the Champs-Élysées to the Elysee Palace, where the two held official meetings. General statements. Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron hosted a state dinner at the palace for Biden and his wife Jill.
Following the toast of US President Macron, the US and France were “unyielding and unwavering in our partnership”, adding that “that’s what democracy does”.
Biden and Macron put the war in Ukraine at the top of Saturday’s agenda, but it was the strength of a long alliance of nations strengthened in Normandy 80 years ago, but with much deeper roots, that was the focus of the weekend.
Calling himself a student of French history, Biden called the visit a “great honor” and noted that America’s ties to France date back to the Revolutionary War.
“France is our first friend,” Biden said. “It’s one of our best friends.”
Macron praised Biden for not only being the leader of a world power, but for bringing “the clarity and loyalty of an ally that loves and respects Europeans.”
It appeared to be a subtle criticism of former President Donald Trump, whose “America first” foreign policy has rattled European leaders. They are now grappling with the prospect of the Democratic incumbent’s return to power next year if he is defeated in the November election.
Later, A Statement of Principles The presidents called for a road map that reaffirmed their commitment to “a Europe, whole, free and peaceful” citing the legacy of the US-French relationship and the “price for peace and freedom” of the past generation.
Macron hosted Trump for Bastille Day in 2017, and the French president came to Washington for a state visit in 2018 before their relationship soured.
Despite disagreements over whether or not to send allied trainers to Ukrainian soil to support the country’s defense against Russian aggression, Macron insisted, “I think we see eye to eye on this war in Ukraine.” That he argued – praised Biden’s leadership: “Thank you for being on the side of Europe.”
Macron expressed hope that when the Group of Seven leaders meet in Italy this week they will agree on a $50 billion “solidarity fund” for Ukraine that will be backed by sanctioned Russian assets.
The two leaders also celebrated Saturday’s rescue of four hostages held by Hamas by Israeli forces. “We will not stop working until all the hostages come home and there is a cease-fire,” Biden said, calling out Macron for not doing much to get humanitarian aid into Gaza by the Israeli government.
Macron said he supports a cease-fire proposal promoted by Biden that would allow for increased humanitarian aid into the region and the release of more hostages. The US has said it is awaiting a formal response from Hamas to a possible deal.
The French leader took issue with US trade practices, including the anti-inflation law he has often criticized, that favor US-made climate technology such as electric vehicles. Macron said the United States, like China, has “decided not to respect global trade rules” by increasing protections and subsidies while Europe’s industry remains open and mired in excessive regulation.
When the pair met outside the palace, Biden appeared to suggest to his host that the US and Europe could “integrate together” and heard him tell Macron about his most recent conversation with the staunchly anti-US Chinese President Xi Jinping. Taxes on Chinese electric vehicles.
Biden hosted Macron at the White House in December 2022 His first state visit as president The Covid-19 pandemic has subsided.
World War II was among the attendees at Saturday night’s dinner Senior Herald Terence and his girlfriend Jean Schwerlin They got married Saturday inland from the D-Day beaches in Normandy, France.
“Congratulations to the newlyweds,” Macron said, leading the crowd in cheers and applause.
As the president’s journey draws to a close, the far right is likely to emerge One of the biggest winners Macron in Sunday’s European Parliament elections Pro-European Union movement Raises the flag.
