French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in the United States on Tuesday for the first state visit of Joe Biden's administration, celebrating the long-standing alliance between the two countries.
The first stages of Biden and Macron's friendship were rocky. The French contract to supply diesel-powered submarines was undermined last year when the White House revealed an agreement to sell nuclear submarines to Australia, prompting Macron to temporarily recall France's ambassador to the United States.
However, things have changed, and Macron is now one of Biden's most outspoken European friends in the West's reaction to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The two leaders meeting this week, which will involve Oval Office discussions, a formal dinner, a press conference, and more, comes at a crucial time.
What To Expect From Macron's US Visit?
According to US and French sources, the leaders' lengthy agenda for their meeting on Thursday at the White House includes Iran's nuclear program, China's escalating aggressiveness in the Indo-Pacific, and rising worries about peace and safety in Africa's Sahel area.
However, the war in Ukraine between Russia and Ukraine will be at the forefront of their conversation in the Oval Office as both Biden and Macron strive to preserve economic and military backing for Kyiv as it struggles to defeat Russian soldiers.
Additionally, Beijing's "zero COVID" approach has provoked outrage in several mainland cities over the past weekend, prompting both Washington and Paris to keep a keen watch on China.
Foreign Policy reported, citing the Financial Times, that Macron will also discuss how Russia's invasion of Ukraine has disrupted the European economy, notably energy.
US-France Still Trust Each Other Amid European, Global Issues
France 24 reports that Macron's three-day journey to the US comes with pain on Europe's side. Since Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law on August 16, 2022, tensions between Europe and the United States have been rising.
The law permits a green subsidy package of $370 billion, with funds going toward the manufacturing of wind turbines, solar panels, microprocessors, and electric automobiles.
The $7,500 tax credit that will be available to those who purchase an electric car that was assembled in the United States and uses a battery made in the country is the most recognizable and divisive aspect of Biden's massive plan. This would help US sustainable companies compete with China, which dominates in this industry.
The White House stated that Macron was chosen as Biden's first state guest because of his "longevity" in the position and his participation in European and global issues, as per a Reuters report.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby explained that Macron has "exuded leadership, certainly inside the G7, for the longest of any of us, including the president." He also noted the French leader's distinctive leadership style.
On Friday, the final day of his tour, Macron will visit New Orleans, Louisiana, to meet with Governor John Bel Edwards and announce a new educational fund for the French language.
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