Biden and Macron discuss Russia-Ukraine war, Indo-Pacific security

Europe, News, US December 2, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Washington on December 1, 2022, to demonstrate a united front in addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine and strengthening global security.

The French president’s trip to the White House marks his second state visit to the United States. His first visit to the U.S. was during Donald Trump’s administration in 2018. This is the first time the French President has visited the U.S. since Joe Biden took office.

A bilateral meeting between the U.S. and French presidents took place in the Oval Office at the White House. Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine remained the most pressing discussed by Biden and Macron. Both leaders vowed to continue their support for Ukraine, however, they gave divergent responses on their willingness to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Upon being asked at the post-meeting joint news conference about the possibility of speaking with the Russian President, Biden said that he “has no immediate plans” to contact Putin, but added that he’s prepared to speak with the Russian leader if he’s looking for a way to end the war in Ukraine. Biden also clarified that Putin has also not shown any willingness to speak with him.

“I’m prepared, if he’s willing to talk, to find out what he’s willing to do, but I’ll only do it in consultation with my NATO allies. I’m not going to do it on my own.” Biden said at a joint press conference following his bilateral meeting with the French president.

Macron, on the other hand, said that he is willing to speak to Putin. He also indicated that he would be speaking to the Russian president in the coming days. Macron highlighted that U.S.’s support in this issue “is very important, not just for the Ukrainians, but for the stability of our world today. Macron also pledged that France is increasing its military, economic, and humanitarian support for Ukraine.

*^{U.S. President Biden and the First Lady welcomed President Emmanuel Macron and Mrs. Brigitte Macron of France to the White House. (Image Credit: Twitter/@WhiteHouse)}*

Indo-Pacific region and other issues discussed

Apart from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the two leaders also discussed security issues and agreed to work together to combat climate change and energy issues, build greater resilience to its effects, and advance democratic values.

Biden and Macron also vowed to increase cooperation on the issues related to the Indo-Pacific region. An official statement released by the White House stated that “The United States and France will continue to coordinate on our concerns regarding China’s challenge to the rules-based international order, including respect for human rights, and to work together with China on important global issues like climate change.”

The statement further said that “Both leaders also strongly condemn the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) unprecedented number of unlawful ballistic missile tests this year that violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions and pose a threat to regional peace and stability, and are committed to continue coordination at the UN Security Council to address DPRK violations.”

The United States and France reaffirm that nuclear deterrence remains essential for their national security.

The two countries also agreed to promote bilateral trade and investments that support supply chain resilience and high-tech and innovative industries of the U.S. and France, including aerospace and pharmaceuticals sectors. They intend to continue to support the diversification of Europe’s natural gas supply, including through U.S. liquified natural gas exports.

France and the United States would also strengthen collaboration in the cybersecurity domain and plan to hold their fifth U.S.-France Cyber Dialogue in early 2023.