State visit to the US – Macron on Biden: “We must be brothers in arms again”

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Despite tensions in transatlantic trade relations, French head of state Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden have tried to close ranks and emphasize unity. The United States and France must “become brothers-in-arms again,” Macron said, and Biden reiterated regarding the current crises, especially the war in Ukraine, “The United States could not wish for a better partner in this world than France.” President received his French counterpart with military honors in front of the White House in Washington.

The cost of the reception was high, as it was not a regular working visit, but a state visit. Biden received Macron – his wife Brigitte at his side – as the first foreign state guest since taking office. In addition to the US president and his wife Jill, Vice President Kamala Harris and numerous US ministers welcomed the guests from France during an official welcome ceremony that lasted about an hour. In honor of the visit, the military band played the national anthems of the United States and France, and the reception was accompanied by cannon fire. Numerous guests gathered in the sun and cheered the French visitors despite the cold.

“As Strong As Ever”
Biden and Macron emphasized the common front against Russia. “Today we, France and the United States, together with all our allies – our NATO allies and the G7 countries, the European Union – reaffirm that we are as strong as ever against Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine,” said Biden. The US president stressed that together we would continue to fight “brutality”. “I knew that Russia is cruel. But I didn’t expect them to be so cruel.’ The US and France would continue to work together to hold Russia accountable.

As for a conversation with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, Biden is open to it only if Russia is willing to end the war against Ukraine. “But the fact is that I have no immediate plans to contact Mr. Putin,” Biden said at a subsequent joint press conference with Macron. “I am willing to talk to Mr. Putin if he is really interested and he is looking for a way to end the war. He has not done that before.” If so, he wants to consult with the Allies.

Dispute over new US law
In view of the “return of the war on European soil after the Russian aggression against Ukraine,” the US and France must “become brothers in arms again,” Macron explained. The democracies on both sides of the ocean would be startled by the same dangers. He cited hate speech and false information as examples. The day before, Macron had also focused on an issue that is currently straining relations between the two countries. He warned of a split in the Western armed forces over a US government bill that Biden sees as the biggest success of his tenure to date. It concerns the so-called Inflation Reduction Act, which is intended to boost US industry and give it priority over foreign competitors.

Whether Macron and Biden can still get the matter out of the way is an open question. In any case, the highlight of the state visit is a festive banquet, which should be harmonious. The White House has been working on it for six months. The menu features American specialties, including Maine lobster and wine from California’s Napa Valley. American cheese is also served – a sure bet, as the French are proud of their cheese. The White House said they were “excellent and award-winning cheeses.” The dinner is musically accompanied by jazz and soul musician Jon Batiste.

Relationship not always relaxed
Following the program in Washington, the French president wants to travel to the metropolis of New Orleans in the state of Louisiana. The US government emphasized that France is the oldest ally of the United States. Last year, relations between the two NATO partners cracked as France lost billions in submarine activity over a new security alliance in the Indo-Pacific involving the United States.

Source: Krone

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