Government affairs - Biden paid a visit to Macron in Paris during a state trip.
The American President Joe Biden and the French President Emmanuel Macron have committed to upholding their support for Ukraine, despite diverging perspectives on specifics. According to Biden, the US is firmly in support of Ukraine and its allies following their meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris on a Saturday. Additionally, Macron has pledged ongoing support for Kiev.
However, it was already established that the United States would not partake in Macron's proposal to despatch military trainers to Ukraine. Ukraine has been fending off Russian hostilities for over two years, with Western weaponry aiding their defense. Discussions about sending Western military trainers to the frontline have been taking place to intensify and streamline assistance to the struggling Ukrainian army. France is reportedly consulting with other NATO partners regarding such a step, with Macron mentioning multiple partners' approval on the matter. He added that detailed plans are in the works in the days ahead.
Nevertheless, the United States has made it clear that they won't be partaking in Macron's initiative. Biden has maintained since the outset of the conflict that he would not send American soldiers to Ukraine and desires to avoid a war with Russia. The White House echoed this sentiment on a Friday night.
Neither Biden nor Macron tackled the topic of military trainers during their joint conference. The duo solely delivered brief statements without engaging in questions. Macron attempted to emphasize the shared stance: "Concerning the Ukrainian issue, we share one viewpoint - that of respecting international law and respecting the right of self-determination for the peoples."
Positive outlook on G7 deliberations over frozen Russian assets
Macron also showed optimism regarding an accord on utilizing interest revenues from seized Russian assets for Kiev. France and the US hope to secure the consent of all G7 members for a $50 billion loan to Ukraine. The White House proposed that the G7 could offer Ukraine a sizable loan backed by the interest gains from the confiscated Russian central bank funds. The EU countries have been reticent on the matter, but a decision is anticipated at the G7 summit in Italy in the coming days.
Regarding the Middle East, Biden and Macron exuded hope over the release of four hostages from the Gaza Strip. "We won't cease our efforts until all hostages return safely and a ceasefire is achieved," Biden declared. Macron shared similar sentiments in favor of achieving both aims. But he chastised the situation in Rafah and the number of casualties in Gaza after nine months of combat. Furthermore, he censured Israel's refusal to permit the opening of all border crossings for humanitarian aid, a move sought by the international community for months.
Macron accorded Biden a magnificent welcome at the Paris Arc de Triomphe, including armed forces, a choir, a gendarmerie orchestra, and a modest aerial parade. Escorted by mounted squadrons, they then traversed the opulent Champs-Élysées direction the Elysee Palace. A sumptuous state banquet was scheduled for the evening. When Biden had dropped by France in 2022, Macron was the initial foreign dignitary to be granted this lavish reception during Biden's tenure. The US regards France as its "longest-standing ally," and relations between the two leaders are described as "warm" and "intimate." Biden appreciates Macron for being candid and frank, relayed John Kirby, director of the National Security Council. Both heads of state are not reluctant to express their beliefs.
Yet, despite their amity, there have been substantial differences. In 2021, for example, there was a significant rift over a new security pact between the US, Australia, and Great Britain, costing France a lucrative submarine accord. Biden's Vice President Kamala Harris visited Paris to improve the situation in 2021. In 2022, a disagreement surfaced concerning Macron's state visit due to a US legislation proposal favouring domestic competitors over rival firms. [
](https://www.dw.com/en/biden-and-macron-pledge-to-continue-support-for-ukraine-amid-disagreements-on-details/a-63097011 "Biden and Macron pledge to continue support for Ukraine amid disagreements on details")
Read also:
- During Joe Biden's state visit to France, he met with Emmanuel Macron and reaffirmed the US's support for Ukraine, despite differing views on specifics.
- Despite Macron's proposal to send military trainers to Ukraine, the United States has chosen not to participate, with Biden maintaining his stance against sending American soldiers to Ukraine.
- Biden and Macron discussed the situation in Ukraine during their meeting in Paris, emphasizing the importance of respecting international law and the right of self-determination for the Ukrainian people.
- The two leaders also discussed the Middle East, expressing hope for the release of four hostages from Gaza and the achievement of a ceasefire.
- French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Biden with grand fanfare during his visit to Paris, including a military parade, choir, and state banquet.
- Despite their amicable relationship, Biden and Macron have had significant disagreements in the past, such as the controversy over a new security pact and a US legislation proposal affecting French companies.
- France and the US are working towards securing G7 members' consent for a $50 billion loan to Ukraine, backed by the interest revenues from confiscated Russian central bank funds.
