REPLAY: Macron arrives at White House for state visit • FRANCE 24 English

well let's cross back what's our main story today uh Emmanuel

macron

arriving at the White House there with Joe Biden and Jill Biden you can see them on the live footage there waiting for Emmanuel

macron

and Bridget macron to arrive formally worth saying actually They have been in Washington for several days, but this is the formal arrival at the White House, thank you. There is French President Emmanuel Macron arriving at the White House. Brigitte Macron, there he was also received by the first lady Jill Biden and therefore the official of the US president, Joe Biden, as a greeting also to Kamala Harris, the vice president of the US, his wife Doug M, your husband, excuse me, Doug mhoff, there too, watching these images live with me, is our senior reporter Catherine Norris Trent and Catherine as we watch In these images I'm reflecting perhaps on the different tone in some of these images to what we saw when Macron came to

visit

during the Donald Trump years, what do you think?

You can't help but reflect on that too because it's Emmanuel Macron's second

state

visit

to the US, the last one being in April 2017, when of course Donald Trump was US president, so that the tone of the backdrop was slightly different now that they've seen those warm images and the manual of placing his hand on Joe Biden's back and Of course, this is all about the pomp and ceremony, but you know that the preparation for the 2017 visit it was very different. Wasn't there all sorts of speculation about what Trump would do and say when they first met?

There was that kind of handshake fight when it seemed to me that Trump was trying to squeeze Macron's hand, you know, to subdue him. They knew Macron almost as the "Trump Charmer" and there was a lot of talk about how a track like that is handled psychologically, obviously. That is not the case, since relations with Biden are much more balanced and cordial, although tensions exist. which we have been talking about and to which Emmanuel Macron himself has already referred during this visit, in particular on trade and protectionism. The EU countries and France consider very protectionist measures that will harm the European industry, such strong allies, but also with big differences and this is obviously the ceremonial status of that, so they will reach the tax on brass a little later, but at this moment, yes, you can see that there is Bruno Lemaire, the French Minister of Finance, and there is Catherine Corona, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs.

We've seen Anthony blink, so this is all very cordial and very warm relations, and I mean, very, it just seems a lot less. unpredictable than during the Trump era, isn't it when I practically expected something to happen even in these very Korean artisanal moments? Do you remember when Donald Trump came to Paris for a

state

visit back then and certainly an effort was made to portray a certain image of Donald Trump that he seemed to cherish at the time, but as you say, a much softer choreographed affair here in Washington, warm macro gestures from Emmanuel there with Joe Biden touching him on the back, touching his arm or something, I guess. symbolic display of the fact that these two countries want to reiterate that for 200 years they have maintained diplomatic relations absolutely um and Emmanuel Macron is very aware of the importance of body language in this.

You know, he's in his second term as French president. He likes. be seen as very prominent in terms of foreign policy on the international stage and, in fact, his advisors have been reporting that in the run-up to this meeting, you know, clutching his arm behind his back, that he will not only go as the leader French, but as a kind of figurehead for European leaders, obviously not officially, but at the forefront of many European policy discussions. France, a founding member of the EU, of course, is now excluded from the EU and all Schultz does not. perhaps the impression that Angela Merkel has and Schultz recently criticized for her visit to China, so Macron is taking this opportunity to put himself in the spotlight, ladies and gentlemen, yes, thank you, foreigner, foreigner, foreigner, foreigner, that was the anthem of the United States, The Star-Spangled.

The banner before Marseille, the French national anthem, is clearly a moment of dignity for both countries, as the two leaders meet for their first formal state visit to the White House, only to explain what we expect. waiting for a 21 shot cannon salute there on the south lawn of the White House and then we wait for the presidents of the United States and France to review the troops that are on the south lawn with me still Catherine Norris Trent our senior reporter Catherine um while we watch These images, what do you think of them? We were talking about the choreography and maybe explain to us what's going to happen later today because there will also be a pretty lavish dinner, absolutely this is the ceremonial part of today before the two leaders sit down for their bilateral meeting and get down to the details of the politics and you know what we've been going through, they have a lot to discuss whether it's the economy or international relations um right now.

They're going to review the troops and then, after the bilateral meeting, there will be a lavish state dinner that we have in a tent on the South Lawn of the White House, presumably with heating because, of course, it's already December, but I've been given details from the first ladies' office that's organizing it about exactly what they'll be seated on: They'll have butter-poached lobster mains and then beef with shallot jam and triple-cooked buttered potatoes, if anyone's interested in that, too. like trying some of the best American cheeses and wines, so we'll have to see what the French delegation thinks of that, but of course, this is a great honor for the French president, he is the first foreign leader invited to a state dinner. under the presidency of Joe Biden and a second state dinner for Emmanuel Macron and these are always very formal occasions, so in addition to the politics, the images of this are of their own importance, yes, and I was going to ask you about the fact that Emmanuel Macron is the first world leader to have a state offered a state visit like this.

Do you think that today he is a kind of representative of Europe, in addition to obviously being a representative of France? This is what many people say. Emmanuel Macron is. there and he is going to raise French concerns, but he will also put European concerns on the table because when Europe looks at the United States of Joe Biden now we are not in the days of the United States of Donald Trump first, but for some Europeans it is not So. They feel very different from that in economic terms, since, as we said, the inflation reduction law is being introduced.

They are worried about economic protectionism, that is, favoring American companies, and they are worried that this is going to hit European companies hard and, of course, it is already a very difficult time from an economic point of view for Europe coming out of covid and with the war in Ukraine, so Emmanuel Macron will advocate for the direction of Europe saying: don't forget about us, the Biden administration has its eyes firmly on China, it is no secret that they are very worried . about China's journey and ambitions and where that might lead next, they are also, of course, very focused on what Vladimir Putin is going to do and, domestically, Joe Biden just got over that midterm election where there was no a red tide but a red Ripple and the Republicans have gained control of the House of Representatives, has its own internal concerns, so Emmanuel Macron's message not only as a French leader but as a European politician will be very prominent: no forget about us, yes, I think Joe Biden can We will be about to give some opening remarks, let's hear from foreign ERs clearly, although the ceremony continues, they will make comments that we will bring to you as soon as we have them and to Catherine Norris Trent while we wait let Joe Biden speak.

I wonder if he could give us his reflections on what Macron is doing beyond the walls of the White House because he's already met with American lawmakers on this trip. Isn't he from both parties, Democrats and Republicans? Looking at the post-Biden world, do you think? I don't think he's over the top nowadays. I think that's definitely the case. I mean, everyone knows that Republicans, uh, didn't see that red tidal wave, but they did see the ripple effects and the gains. regained control of the House of Representatives um and who knows what will happen in the 2024 US elections frankly there is a possibility of course that a Republican could be a possibility even that Donald Trump could return um so is expanding the context in his contacts um basically trying to improve France's position in the US no matter who wins the next election, because the world has changed a lot in the last few years and it could change a lot in the next few years, we don't know what's going on.

The situation will be regarding the war in Ukraine, but if there is a change in the party in power let alone a change in the president in power, then that could mean a different strategy for the French in the future, so who are hedging their bets. Macron spoke with legislators from both chambers and we will continue to meet with different actors. He's been talking to people at the French Embassy. I think Joe Biden is now starting to speak, let's listen to the President of the United States, who is now starting the The temperature may be a little cold on this December night, but our hearts are warm and welcoming such close friends to the White House, President Macron and Brigitte, members of the French delegation, distinguished guests, it is an honor, a true honor, to receive you in the first state. visit of my Administration and to celebrate the resilience, strength and vitality of the great friendship between France and the United States of America bonjour The temperatures while my friend and I were speaking France is our oldest ally, our unbreakable partner and the cause of freedom from the spirit of Marcus Lafayette, who helped ensure the success of our Revolution with the sacrifice of the American GIS who stormed the beaches of Normandy, our history has been shaped by the courage of the women and men who They crossed the Atlantic, harboring in their hearts the flame of Freedom, today that flame burns. brighter than ever and the alliance between our two nations remains essential to our mutual defense is a defense in which NATO allies, together with our European Union and the G7 and partners around the world, France and the United States are facing Vladimir Putin's greedy ambition from The Conquest and Russia's brutal war against Ukraine, which is once again torn apart.

Peace on the European continent is French. The United States once again stands for the democratic values ​​and universal human rights that are at the heart of our two nations. The source of our strength is a shared feeling. The commitment to freedom and justice for the entire liberte galate fraternity is that we are demonstrating to people around the world that democracies meet our joint leadership to ensure that Partners everywhere and parents everywhere can feed their children to cooperate and address the climate crisis and preserve our planet for generations to come and on this World Ages Day we reaffirm our shared commitment to ending academic AIDS by 2030.

President Macron, you heard me speak before about the tipping point in the one we encounter in history and how the decisions we make today. and in the years to come they will determine the course of our world for decades to come and the United States could not ask for a better partner in this work than France for centuries. We have been together charting a course towards a world of greater freedom and greater opportunities. greater dignity and greater peace outside our friends in time for the final triumph of the test France and the United States will face the future just as we have always done, trusting in our shared capacity sustained by the strength of our shared values ​​and undaunted by any challenge that comes ahead and the connections that we are building today between our students, our companies, our pioneers, we will see our alliance continue to prosper and strengthen for decades to come, so Mr.

President, welcome back and welcome to the French delegation. It is an honor for me to have it. here and looking forward to a wonderful day together God bless our nations and may God protect our troops Mr. President foreign ladies and gentlemen distinguished guests the presence of the French Republic merci beaucoup thank you very much Mr. President Mr. President dear Joe Madam dear ladies Jill and gentlemen, distinguished guests, thank you very much, Mr. President, dear Joe, madam, dear Jill, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests were honored and moved to be at your side that day in the White House and moved,as you said, Mr.

President a moment ago, because our two nations are sisters in their fight for freedom. France from the beginning of Europe's independence from the United States and the building of its nation, the United States, through the bloodshed in the trenches of Psalm to the beaches of Normandy, urged Mr. President to be here with You today in the White House were honored and moved as you said, Mr. President, because our two nations, our sisters in their fight for freedom, France from the beginning of American independence, the beginning of your country and the United States in the sacrifice of life from the trenches of Psalm to the beaches of Normandy and this shared history also obliges us in the face of the return of War on European soil after the Russian aggression against Ukraine and in the face of the multiple crises that are affecting our Nations and societies to know how to become Brothers in Arms again in Ukraine. and in light of the multiple crises facing our Nations and our societies, we need to become brothers in arms once again.

Fraternity, this Spiritual Brotherhood must allow us to build an agenda of Hope because our two countries have the same faith in Freedom Democratic Values ​​emancipation through educational work in progress through science and knowledge spiritual brotherhood must allow us to build an agenda of ambition and hope as our two countries share the same faith in Freedom in democratic values ​​in empowerment through education and work and in progress through science and knowledge there is democracy democracy on both sides of the ocean We are troubled by the same doubt about our ability to be strong and effective enough to address shared technical health challenges, geopolitical doubts, we are sometimes confronted with relativism, hate speech, false information and our contemporary anxieties on both sides of the ocean.

They are shaken by the same doubts about our ability to be strong and effective enough when it comes to the challenges we share, those of climate geopolitics and the technology in which we find ourselves. doubt in the face of relativism hate speech false information and fears of today determination is the same determination that unites us today and the same strength of the soul Nation together we must find a path to offer our children a possible future made of prosperity Justice and ecology We need to find a path to offer a possible future to our children, one of prosperity.

Justice and ecology together. We must work to rebuild the unity of our society through respect and recognition, which are the only things that can eradicate hate. Together we must work to draw new balances. of the world to achieve peace Forge a renewed and more equitable partnership with the South, our New Frontiers are there and to achieve them, the United States and France are the strongest Allies because this friendship has its roots in centuries. The tears are there and it is I will share the responsibility of responding to this and to that effect the United States and France, the strongest allies, are there because our relationship has its roots in common centuries.

The destiny is to respond together, faithful to our history, lucid about our world and determined to invent. Long live the friendship between the United States of America and France! It is our common destiny to respond together to these challenges, faithful to our history, lucid before the world and determined to generate hope. Long live the friendship between the United States and France! Oh, you are! ready, you're listening to French President Emmanuel Macron alongside US President Joe Biden speaking live on the South Lawn of the White House, the pair spoke of their enduring friendship that they said they had built over more than 200 years together and you heard that with Yo It was, uh, France 24's senior reporter, Catherine Norris Trent Catherine, what did you think?

I guess what they had to say, but also the optics of it, well, the optics are very positive, right? And it's all very, you know, um Smiley shaking hands. squeezing hands there, very much portraying an image of very strong allies without running the risk of being cynical, I mean you know this is the easy part, this is the nice part for the cameras and when you scratch the surface a little bit, since We will be holding bilateral talks. There are points of disagreement. Now they are allies. I can't deny it, but there are big areas where they draw attention.

Transatlantic tensions right now. Beyond the smiles, beyond the pomp and handshakes, there are differences in commerce about how to negotiate. approach Putin about how many weapons and money to send, about things like US natural gas supplies, there are serious issues about global strategy, where France and Europe are concerned about the direction the US is taking. , thinking he is looking at China, he is looking inward. but he is not considering his European allies enough with his war, of course, attacking the borders of Europe, so this is the photic image, positive images for both sides and very warm words and yet there is a much more part serious thing that we will address now and They referred to that in their speeches, both Biden and Biden said that this is a turning point in history and that momentous events are taking place on the world stage, as we know, that Macron said that the new balance of the world is a New Frontiers, you know this is an important moment and, in terms of geopolitics, there is a lot at stake, and we are waiting for a press conference worth saying from both the presidents of the United States and France in just over an hour and a half. bring in our live viewers and I imagine that there we will also get into some of the complexity and the essence of what these two leaders have to overcome, whether it is China or Iran or certainly Ukraine, and you know that this will not be the case. simply choreographed by purchasing the various press offices offered to the presidencies and vice presidencies, these would be journalists asking pointed questions and I think that some of the differences will be much more evident and some of the points of disagreement so that they know that it cannot be denied that France is called the oldest ally of the United States, of course, it recognized the United States in 1778, but not everything has gone well, as we say, at this moment, it is only a year after the orca affair, in which France even withdrew temporarily to its ambassador from Washington, there are differences. on trade despite the global agreement that the Russian invasion of Ukraine was completely unacceptable and that Russia must be stopped afterwards, when you dig into the details, there are major concerns, well, the doors have closed, the world leaders have come in and those big concerns that we talk about imagine that they are going to be discussed right now in those private conversations as I mentioned, although in just over an hour and a half there will be a live press conference of President Joe Biden and President Emmanuel Macron, we will bring you that. live