President Biden and President Emmanuel Macron of France on Saturday emphasized how much they agreed on world issues, including the war in Ukraine, even as the two countries expressed unequivocal views. differences over the fighting in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.
Appearing briefly together before reporters after two days of D-Day remembrance and hours before a lavish state dinner at the Élysée Palace in Paris, the two presidents refused to answer any questions and simply raised the bar. their obvious differences over the Middle East. Instead, both affirmed the enduring strength of the US-France partnership on climate, economics, European security and cultural relations.
“Today, I proudly stand with France to support freedom and democracy around the world,” Mr. Biden said as the two walked out after a closed-door meeting at the Élysée Palace.
“We clearly see this war raging in Ukraine,” Mr. Macron noted, adding that he hopes “all members of the G7 will agree to a $50 billion solidarity fund for Ukraine, ” refers to the Group of 7 industrialized countries. Countries.
The French President’s comments show that the two leaders have reached common ground on a plan to utilize proceeds from Russia’s frozen assets to provide up to $50 billion in prepayment loans to Ukraine. US officials said before the meeting that France was the main holder of such a plan and that they hoped to win support during their visit to Paris.
Regarding Gaza, Mr. Macron noted his government’s support for Israel’s ceasefire proposal, which Mr. Biden strongly supported. But the French president also directly challenged Israel to do more to provide aid to Palestinians who are being bombarded by the government.
“It is unacceptable that Israel does not open all checkpoints to receive humanitarian aid, as has been requested by the united international community for many months,” Mr. Macron said. He said Israel’s activities in Gaza “should stop”.
France supports the decision of the International Criminal Court to seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yahya Sinwar, leader of Hamas in Gaza. On the contrary, Mr. Biden condemned that effort, calling it an unconscionable comparison between the two leaders. France also voted at the United Nations in May to make Palestine a full member of the organization, which the United States opposed.
Neither Mr. Biden nor Mr. Macron mentioned any disagreement over the Israel-Hamas conflict.
In a departure from custom when US presidents meet foreign leaders, reporters from France and the US were not allowed to ask questions after Saturday’s announcement, which lasted a total of 16 minutes. In most cases, the two leaders allow reporters from each country to ask at least two questions.
John Kirby, White House national security spokesman, declined to explain why that didn’t happen on Saturday.
“This is the arrangement that has been made,” he told reporters earlier this week. “As you know, with any bilateral meeting or in this case a state visit, all of that is resolved between the two sides. And in our discussions and planning for this visit, that was decided what they would do: that they would come out and make a statement to the press.”
Mr. Macron’s warm embrace for Mr. Biden despite tensions in the relationship was in sharp contrast to the mood when President Donald J. Trump visited in November 2018. Just minutes before Air Force One landed in Paris, Mr. Trump posted an online message denouncing Mr. Macron as “very insulting.” Mr. Macron then gave a speech attacking nationalism just weeks after Mr. Trump declared himself an American nationalist.
In contrast, on Saturday, Mr. Macron praised Mr. Biden as a “respectful partner to Europeans,” a statement that sounded different from Mr. Trump, who often disparages European leaders. “Thank you for standing with Europe,” Mr. Macron said.
“You have become a good friend,” Mr. Biden responded.
