As French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed his US counterpart for an official state visit in Paris on Saturday, President Joe Biden celebrated the strong links between the US and France, calling his current visit “the most remarkable trip” that he has made to the nation.
"We have once again demonstrated to the world this week the strength of allies and what we can do when we work together. During his speech alongside Macron from the Élysée Palace, Biden stated that the relationship between France and the United States is an example of this.
The visit takes place in the midst of Russia's war in Ukraine, where the US has reinforced its connection with its oldest friend, despite indications of rifts over the Middle East conflict between Israel and Hamas.
During a state banquet later on Saturday, Biden stated, "When we stand as one, our countries are stronger and literally, the world is safer." "History is about to take a turn at this point. Our future will be shaped by the choices we make now for many years to come.
At a formal ceremony held at the Arc de Triomphe, a famous landmark in Paris, Macron and French First Lady Brigitte Macron welcomed Biden and First Lady Jill Biden to the state visit.
At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the leaders offered their respects and lowered a big sword's end into the never-ending flame. "La Marseillaise" and "The Star-Spangled Banner" were performed by a French military choir. Before welcoming representatives of a French delegation, Biden and Macron watched a flyover while "Amazing Grace" was played on the bagpipes.
Before getting into their separate cars and traveling slowly down the Champs-Élysées, the Bidens and Macrons signed a guestbook. American and French flags were flying in the background. There were no pedestrians on the usually busy Parisian avenue, and the neighborhood was severely affected by road restrictions.
The arrival ceremony on Saturday was referred to by Biden as a "moving experience."
"Being at the Champs Élysée today was a moving experience for a history student—that was a moving experience for us, the whole delegation," he remarked.
The leaders took pictures at the official residence of the French president, Élsyée Palace, before starting a working lunch. The Bidens were invited back to the palace by the Macrons for a state supper that evening.
Macron is paying Biden back for hosting the French president during his first official visit to the White House in December 2022.
Biden mentioned that next month is Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, in the US.
Without France's assistance, we would not have been able to accomplish that feat. To a great extent, France is the reason we are a nation. You helped us out when we needed it," he remarked.
"France was our first friend," Biden declared. continues to be one of our closest pals.
gladly stand with France today and advocate for democracy and freedom everywhere. That's the main focus of this amazing week," he declared.
The leaders have a lot of things to talk about.
Macron, along with other friends of the United States, has expressed concerns in private about the future of US leadership worldwide in the event that Biden loses the election in November to former President Donald Trump, with whom he had a more complex relationship.
Biden has often recounted declaring, "America is back," at a G7 summit early in his presidency, when he spoke with international leaders.
“And after glancing at me, the French president asked, 'For how long?'" During a fundraising event in March in New York City, Biden declared to applause. It was not amusing. With seriousness, he asked, "For how long?"
While Europe has had to deal with its own increasing tide of populism, Biden has frequently brought up these concerns among his peers in order to support a second term.
Regarding Ukraine, both nations have emphasized their backing for the nation that is ravaged by conflict. On Friday, Biden apologized to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the congressional delay and unveiled a new $225 billion aid plan.
Macron has also played a significant role in leading Europe's reaction to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. France has declared it would exceed NATO's 2% defense spending target, quadrupled its defense budget, and recommenced home manufacturing of vital military supplies.
Biden cited their mutual support for Ukraine as evidence of their good ties.
"If (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is successful in enslaving Ukraine, we already know what would happen. Furthermore, we are aware that Putin is concerned about far more than just Ukraine and won't stop there. Europe as a whole will be in danger. That won't be allowed to happen, Biden declared.
In a post on X last week, Macron stated, "The war in Gaza must end," endorsing a ceasefire plan put forth by Biden regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. We agree with US idea for long-term peace.
However, France parted ways with its Western allies last month when its Foreign Ministry declared that it agreed with the ICC's decision to request an arrest warrant for Yahya Sinwar, the head of Hamas, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Biden has referred to the ICC's ruling as "outrageous."
The news on Saturday that four Israeli captives who had been kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 had been freed was hailed by both Macron and Biden, who also took the opportunity to push for the ceasefire plan he had outlined last week.
The president declared, "We won't stop working until a ceasefire is reached and all the hostages are returned home."
Since the beginning of the Biden administration, there has been a significant improvement in the US-French relationship. Macron made the unprecedented decision to recall his ambassador to Washington in September 2021 in response to a US-Australia submarine deal that caught the French off guard and cost them a multibillion-dollar defense contract.
John Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council, told reporters on Friday night that "they have a warm and close relationship." "President Macron's honesty and forthrightness are admirable qualities shared by President Joe Biden and the president. That's what he looks for in an ally or friend.
Additionally, Biden and Macron were scheduled to talk about enhancing marine cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. According to Kirby, an announcement aimed at enhancing law enforcement capabilities and boosting US-France technical collaboration on port security is anticipated.
"I believe you will observe that our relationship with our French allies is at its closest point ever," Kirby continued.
