Biden and Macron Pledge Unwavering Support to Ukraine in Historic State Visit
At the dawn of their highly anticipated state visit, President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron met at the White House to reaffirm their unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst the ongoing war with Russia. “The United States and France stand united in our belief that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be defended,” declared President Biden. “We will continue to provide the military, economic, and humanitarian assistance that Ukraine needs to repel Russian aggression.” President Macron echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong transatlantic partnership in confronting the Russian threat. “Our alliance is more critical than ever,” he said. “Together, we will ensure that Ukraine has the resources and support to prevail.” During their meeting, the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including the ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, climate change, and global security. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law around the world. President Biden and President Macron’s state visit is a testament to the enduring bond between the United States and France. It serves as a symbol of their unwavering support for Ukraine and their determination to work together to address the challenges facing the international community. In a joint statement issued following the meeting, the two leaders outlined the following commitments: * Continued military and economic assistance to Ukraine * Enhanced coordination on diplomatic efforts to end the war * Increased humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict * Cooperation on addressing the global energy crisis * Collaboration on combating climate change and promoting sustainable development The state visit is a major diplomatic victory for President Biden, who has made supporting Ukraine a top priority of his administration. It also strengthens the transatlantic alliance at a critical time when the war in Ukraine threatens to destabilize Europe and beyond.Biden and Macron reaffirm support for Ukraine, welcome hostage release in Gaza Strip
Biden and Macron reaffirm support for Ukraine, welcome hostage release in Gaza Strip
Paris, June 9 (IANS/DPA)
: US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron pledged continued support for Ukraine during their meeting in Paris on Saturday, at the start of a state visit. Biden said the US stood firmly with Ukraine and other allies. Macron also said France will continue its support for Ukraine for as long as necessary. However, before the two leaders met, the US government had made it clear that the US would not participate in Macron’s plan to send military trainers to Ukraine. Macron said on Friday evening that he had held talks with NATO leaders about sending military trainers to Ukraine and that a number of them had agreed to his plans, which would be finalized “in the coming days.” Biden has said that no US personnel will be sent to the war zone, and the White House made clear on Friday evening that nothing had changed in this regard. The issue was not raised when Biden and Macron met on Saturday. Brief statements were made and no questions were allowed. An official statement from the White House said: “The Presidents reaffirm their commitment to a Europe whole, free and at peace.” Macron expressed confidence in an agreement on using interest earned on frozen Russian assets to support Kiev. France and the US are aiming for all G7 members to approve a $50 billion loan. While the US has supported the idea, European members of the G7 have expressed caution in the hope that a decision could be made at an upcoming G7 meeting in Italy. Biden and Macron welcomed Israel’s announcement that four more hostages had been released in the Gaza Strip. Biden said the US would not stop work until all hostages were released and a ceasefire arranged. Macron said the number of deaths and injuries after nine months of war was unacceptable. He added that Israel’s failure to open all border crossings to humanitarian aid cannot be tolerated. Earlier, Macron welcomed Biden with full military honors at a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. A military choir and a National Gendarmerie band played as planes flew overhead. The two leaders laid a wreath and held a minute’s silence at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located beneath the national monument in the center of the French capital. In the evening, Biden and Macron emphasized the solidarity and friendship between their two countries at a state banquet at the Élysée Palace. “We are allies. We will remain allies,” Macron said in his speech. Biden’s state visit provided “an opportunity to celebrate the unfettered vitality of our alliance and this very special relationship between our two nations and, indeed, our love of freedom,” Macron added. Biden highlighted how France and the US have been supportive of each other throughout history when it comes to securing each other’s freedom. “You were with us to help us secure our freedom, and we were with you 170 years later… to do the same. And we have remained united, unyielding and steadfast in our partnership ever since,” Biden said, referring to US independence in 1776 and the end of World War II. “We are at a turning point in history,” Biden continued. ‘The decisions we make now will determine the course of our future for decades to come. ‘We have a lot of opportunity, but a lot of responsibility. And it gives me hope to know that France and the United States stand together now and always.” Macron said that “being united despite our differences when the most important values are at stake” is the common thread of the unshakable transatlantic bond between Washington and Paris. Macron was Biden’s first guest during a state visit in 2022. The US president has been in France since Wednesday to attend ceremonies in Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron vowed unwavering support for Ukraine during their joint press conference at the start of Macron’s state visit to Washington. Biden reaffirmed the United States’ “unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” emphasizing that the US would continue to provide “economic, humanitarian, and security assistance” to the war-torn nation. Macron echoed Biden’s sentiments, declaring France’s “unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.” He stressed the need for Europe to maintain its unity in the face of Russian aggression. The leaders condemned Russia’s ongoing nuclear threats, with Biden calling them “irresponsible” and Macron urging Moscow to “return to the path of dialogue.” Biden also highlighted the importance of transatlantic cooperation in addressing global challenges, including climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine. Macron’s three-day state visit, the first of the Biden administration, underscores the close ties between the United States and France, two of the world’s oldest allies. The two leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of issues during their meetings, including the conflict in Ukraine, nuclear non-proliferation, and economic cooperation.
