President Biden said France was America’s “first friend” at its founding and remains one of its closest allies two centuries later, as French President Emmanuel Macron made a state visit Saturday to demonstrate their partnership on global security issues. Easing past trade tensions.
“United, divided we fall,” Mr. Macron said at a state dinner. He roasted Biden. “We are in alliance and will remain in alliance.”
Mr. Both Biden and Macron attended the festivities Marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day On Thursday and separately the next day, he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris. Both leaders used those engagements to underscore the urgent need to support Kevin’s fight against Russian aggression.
Actor Salma Hayek, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, former tennis player John McEnroe and his wife, American singer Patti Smith, were notable guests at Saturday night’s party. Singer Pharrell Williams entertained the attendees.
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Pharrell Williams and his wife Helen Lacichan arrive for dinner. He is going to perform for the guests.
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Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife, French Italian model and musician Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, attended the dinner.
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Actress Salma Hayek and her husband Francois-Henri Pinault, billionaire and CEO of Kering SA, attended the state dinner.
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Former tennis player John McEnroe and his wife, singer Patti Smith, arrive at a French state dinner.
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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.
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Following Macron’s toast, US President Emmanuel Macron said the US and France were “unyielding and unwavering in our partnership”, adding that “that’s what democracy does”.
Mr. 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 centerpiece of the weekend.
Calling himself a student of French history, Mr. 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,” said Mr. Biden said. “It’s one of our best friends.”
Macron Mr. He praised Biden for not only being the leader of a world power, but for bringing “the clarity and loyalty of an ally who loves and respects Europeans.”
Both leaders celebrated Saturday’s rescue by Israeli forces Four hostages held by Hamas. “We will not stop working until all the hostages come home and there is a ceasefire,” Biden said, as Macron called out the Israeli government for not doing more to get humanitarian aid into Gaza.
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.
