President Biden and President Macron both emphasized their agreement on global issues, such as the war in Ukraine, during a brief statement to reporters after meeting in Paris. They highlighted the enduring strength of the American-French partnership on climate, the economy, European security, and cultural ties. They expressed support for a $50 billion solidarity fund for Ukraine leveraging proceeds from frozen Russian assets. Macron noted joint efforts on addressing the conflict in Ukraine, although they did not delve into their differences on the situation in Gaza.
Macron voiced his government’s backing of an Israeli cease-fire proposal supported by Biden, but also urged Israel to ensure humanitarian aid reach Palestinians affected by the conflict. France has shown support for the International Criminal Court’s decision to seek warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, as well as voted in the UN to include Palestine as a full member, contrary to US positions. Despite these conflicts, neither leader touched on the Israel-Hamas situation during their joint appearance.
During the statement, reporters were not allowed to ask questions, diverging from the standard practice of allowing them to do so after meetings between US presidents and foreign leaders. The White House did not provide an explanation for this deviation, with a spokesman merely stating it was the arrangement made for the visit. Macron’s warm reception of Biden contrasted sharply with the tension during Trump’s visit to France in 2018. Macron hailed Biden as a partner who respects Europeans, in a veiled swipe at Trump’s nationalist rhetoric, while Biden expressed gratitude for being on Europe’s side.
The actual disagreements between the US and France concerning the Middle East were not discussed during the joint appearance, with both leaders focusing on the areas of agreement between their countries. The French president called for Israel to open all checkpoints to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Palestinians in Gaza, insisting that Israeli operations must cease. Macron’s endorsement of Biden as a friend and ally suggests a positive outlook on the American-French relationship, indicating a departure from tensions in past interactions with US leaders. The leaders’ shared commitment to freedom and democracy worldwide was emphasized during their meeting.
Overall, Biden and Macron conveyed a united front on various global issues while sidestepping their conflicting views on the Gaza conflict and other matters. They underscored the importance of the American-French partnership in addressing challenges such as climate change, economic cooperation, and European security. Macron’s appeal for humanitarian aid access in Gaza demonstrated France’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the differing perspectives between the two nations. Despite these disagreements, the leaders portrayed a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect in their joint statements, signaling a cooperative approach to shared goals and values.
