Washington, Dec. 2, (dpa/GNA) - US President Joe Biden emphasized the need to form a common front against Russia during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit at the White House on Thursday.
“As Allies in NATO, together with our European Union and the G7 and partners around the world, France and the United States are facing down Vladimir Putin’s grasping ambition for conquest and Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine,” Biden said.
Together, we will continue to confront the “brutality,” the US president stressed. “I didn’t anticipate them being as brutal as they have been,” he said, adding that the US and France would continue to work together to hold Russia accountable.
In addition to Biden and his wife, Jill, US Vice President Kamala Harris and various US Cabinet secretaries also welcomed Macron and his wife in Washington.
During an economic policy dispute between the US and France about the US Inflation Reduction Act, which provides financial support to a wide range of industries inside the US, Biden defended his course.
He added that neither the US nor he himself was apologizing for the bill, which has faced opposition from France. But he said there were minor issues that could be discussed and resolved.
However, he defended the fact that the US does not want to rely on supply chains in other parts of the world. He said Europe had the same goal and could do the same.
Macron said he held out hope that both sides could reach a compromise, saying that both sides share a vision. He said he and Biden had agreed to work on compromises, to make sure that a bill designed to support the US economy didn’t suck jobs out of Europe.
In honour of the visit, the military band played the national anthems of the US and France. The reception was accompanied by cannon fire.
During an address in front of the White House, both presidents emphasized the close partnership between the two countries – even in the face of current crises.
Russia’s war against Ukraine and the “multiple crises facing our nations and societies” meant that “we must once again become brothers in arms,” Macron said.
Macron has been in the US since late Tuesday for a state visit lasting several days. In contrast to regular working visits, the protocol is much more complex and includes special programme items such as the state banquet.
Macron is the first foreign guest in Biden’s term of office to receive this honour.
GNA