President Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron to the White House on Thursday for the first state visit of the Biden administration.
On the South Lawn, the Bidens met the Macrons at an arrival ceremony with U.S. military honours and ceremonial guards in the presence of hundreds of guests. The Macrons were also greeted by Vice President Kamala Harris, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and other senior Biden administration officials. Before each leader addressed the gathering, the national anthems of both countries were performed by a military band.
“France, as my friend and I were discussing, is our longest ally. Our unflinching ally in the pursuit of freedom, “The president of the United States expressed gratitude for France’s assistance in protecting democracy.
Mr. Biden and Mr. Macron both emphasized the significance of defending Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Mr. Biden stated, “France and the United States are confronting Vladimir Putin’s rapacious thirst for conquest and Russia’s terrible assault against Ukraine, which has once again destroyed peace on the European continent.” “France and the United States are once again defending the universal human rights and democratic ideals that are the foundation of both nations. Our source of strength is a shared dedication to liberty and justice for everyone – liberty, equality, and fraternity.”
On December 1, 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron and American President Joe Biden stand together for the performance of their respective national anthems on the South Lawn of the White House. JONATHAN ERNST / REUTERS
Following a bilateral meeting, the two global leaders will have a rare joint press conference.
Mr. Biden stated at the beginning of the bilateral meeting that Macron has been a dominating leader not only in France but also throughout Europe. Macron stressed the need for “enduring peace” and stated that they intend to “address” the direct and indirect effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Macron also praised Mr. Biden for the Wednesday evening dinner he and his wife spent with the president and first lady at the upscale Italian restaurant Filomena in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Biden and the first lady will host the Macrons for a state dinner on Thursday evening.
Wednesday, the first lady provided a preview of the state supper. 300 to 400 guests are anticipated to attend the event, which will take place on the South Lawn of the White House.
As the ceremonial gift, the president and first lady presented the Macrons with a bespoke mirror crafted from fallen White House grounds wood. It is a copy of a mirror that hangs in the West Wing as part of the White House collection. Additionally, Mr. Biden presented the French president with a customized record compilation of famous American performers.
Mr. Biden and Mr. Macron have spoken multiple times throughout Mr. Biden’s presidency and met in September on the fringes of the United Nations General Assembly.
Macron also visited the United States in 2018 for a state visit sponsored by former President Donald Trump. Macron, who was first elected president of France in 2017, overcame Marine Le Pen, a candidate from the extreme right, to win a second term in April.
»Biden and Macron hold a joint news conference during Biden’s state visit to France«