Washington: US President Joe Biden And French President Emmanuel Macron emerged from talks at the White House on Thursday pledging to join closer ranks to help Ukraine and pressure Russia’s Vladimir Putin to make peace.
After lengthy Oval Office talks, he also signaled that he would calm the waters on the escalating US-EU trade dispute.
Addressing the joint press conference on the second day of Macron’s rare condition In a visit to Washington, the two leaders stressed their desire to build a powerful transatlantic alliance that supports democracy — and confronts Russia and China.
Regarding Ukraine, Biden said, “We reaffirm that France and the United States together, all of our NATO allies and the European Union and G 7Stand strong as ever against Russia’s barbaric war.”
The US leader also said he would be open to meeting Putin but only if he was looking for a way to end the war.
It was Biden’s strongest suggestion yet that he would be willing to sit down with Putin, but Macron said the two agreed that “we will never push the Ukrainians to make such a compromise.” which is not acceptable to them.”
Trade disputes
The state visit – the first such official occasion since Biden took office in January 2021 – is a sign of how Washington and Paris have buried last year’s bitter row over Australia’s withdrawal from the French submarine deal. Instead, it was withdrawn in favor of acquiring American nuclear subs.
At a lavish, late-night dinner under a glass pavilion on the South Lawn of the White House, Biden concluded his toast by saying, “Vio la France!” or “Long live France.”
In his toast, Macron cited the US Constitution and said the two countries have often fought together to protect democracy. He said it was time to stand “shoulder to shoulder” once again, referring to the election denialists trying to overturn the election in the United States.
At this point, the emerging green technology economy appears to be in danger of being overshadowed by the controversy over US subsidies. However, the two leaders indicated that they had at least managed to end the standoff after an hour and 45 minutes of talks in the Oval Office in the morning.
“We agreed to discuss practical steps to coordinate and align our approach so we can strengthen and secure supply chains, manufacturing and innovation on both sides of the Atlantic,” Biden told his joint news conference. can.”
“We agreed to re-align our approach,” Macron said.
The issue revolves around Biden’s signature policy, the Inflationary Reduction Act, or IRA, which is set to pour billions of dollars into environmentally friendly industries with strong support from U.S.-based manufacturers.
EU governments are threatening to start a trade war by subsidizing their own green economy sector.
Biden asserted that there would be “extensions” so that European companies would not be treated unfairly.
“We will continue to create manufacturing jobs in America but not at the expense of Europe,” Biden said.
On China, another area where Europe and the US have not always been entirely on the same page, the leaders said in a joint statement that they “shared our concerns about China’s challenge to the rules-based international order.” will continue, including respect for human rights, and to work with China on important global issues such as climate change.”
A salute of 21 guns
The day began with a full military honor guard for Macron, including Marines, Army, Air Force and even a troop of soldiers in 18th-century Revolutionary War dress. The artillery fired a 21-gun salute, sending clouds of white smoke into the clear, cold December sky.
Standing on a red-carpet podium with Macron, Biden said “France is our oldest ally, our unwavering partner in the cause of freedom.”
Between the two leaders, mutual admiration was on full display as they exchanged hugs, handshakes and compliments throughout the day.
After more than 12 hours, the state visit culminated with a banquet of the kind not seen in Washington since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the US capital’s normally busy showbiz scene.
Guests, who included comedian Stephen Colbert, singer John Legend and fashion guru Anna Wintour, were entertained by Grammy Award-winning American musician Jon Batiste.
Their menu opens with butter-poached Maine lobster, paired with caviar, delecta squash ravioli and tarragon sauce, then a main course of beef and triple-baked butter potatoes. The feast ended with US cheese and finally orange chiffon cake, roasted pears with lemon chutney and crème fraîche ice cream.
Washing it all down were three different wines – all from American vineyards.