Biden invokes 'shared commitment to liberty' in welcoming France's Macron

Katherine Doyle

December 01, 11:03 AM December 01, 11:03 AM

President Joe Biden welcomed President Emmanuel Macron of France to the White House for the first official state visit against a backdrop of the war in Ukraine, tensions over American trade subsidies, and China.

Invoking a “shared commitment to liberty” between the United States and France, Biden ticked through the challenges facing the two nations, including “facing down Vladimir Putin’s grasping ambition for conquest in Russia and his brutal war against Ukraine, which has once more shattered peace on the continent of Europe.”

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Biden delivered his remarks from the White House South Lawn before hundreds of people.

"The Marseillaise" was performed alongside a 21-gun salute followed by "The Star-Spangled Banner" as the leaders greeted one another accompanied by their spouses.

Macron said he was “honored and moved” to be at the White House, outlining the history of U.S.-French relations and a friendship he described as “rooted through the ages.”

He also addressed the president and first lady Jill Biden as “Dear Joe, Dear Jill” while delivering his remarks on the collaborative efforts of both nations in Ukraine, on climate policy, and other global issues.

“As war returns to Europe … we need to become brothers in arms once more,” Macron said.

The trip is Macron’s second state visit to the U.S. since becoming president, the first taking place in April 2018 during the administration of former President Donald Trump.