Macron to honor Biden with formal state visit

President Joe Biden is set to be honored with an official state visit in Paris as French President Emmanuel Macron plays host to his US counterpart. The visit comes at a crucial time as the US and France have strengthened their alliance amid Russia’s war in Ukraine, although some differences have emerged over the conflict in the Middle East.

The day will kick off with a formal welcome ceremony at the iconic L’Arc de Triomphe, followed by a parade procession to the Elysée Palace and a working lunch. The leaders will then deliver statements to the press before attending a state dinner at the Musée D’Orsay in the evening.

The visit holds significance as Macron reciprocates the state visit Biden hosted for him at the White House in December 2022. There will be plenty on the agenda for the leaders to discuss, including the future of US leadership in the world, support for Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Both countries have shown solidarity with Ukraine, with Biden announcing a new $225 billion aid package and Macron doubling France’s defense budget in response to Russia’s invasion. However, they have diverged on the Israel-Hamas conflict, with France supporting an ICC decision that the US deemed “outrageous.”

Despite past tensions, the US-French relationship has significantly improved, with National Security Council spokesman John Kirby highlighting the honesty and forthrightness of both leaders. The visit is expected to deepen maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, with an announcement on increased technical cooperation and port security.

Overall, the visit underscores the importance of the US-French alliance in addressing global challenges and advancing shared interests.