Biden and Macron issue a joint statement after their meeting in Washington
US President Joe Biden and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, issued a joint statement after their meeting in Washington, during Macron's first visit to the United States after the start of the Biden-Harris administration.
The two Presidents reaffirmed their countries' continued support for Ukraine's defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, including by providing political, security, humanitarian and economic assistance to Ukraine no matter what it takes.
Biden and Macron strongly condemned Russia's war on Ukraine, and affirmed that deliberately targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure is a war crime and its perpetrators should be held accountable. They also condemn and reject Russia's attempt to illegally annex sovereign Ukrainian lands, which constitutes a clear violation of international law.
Biden and Macron also affirmed their firm intent to hold Russia accountable for the widely documented atrocities and war crimes committed by Russian forces and their proxies, including mercenary entities such as the Wagner Group and others.
As for the Asia region, the two presidents reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and strongly condemned North Korea's unprecedented number of illegal ballistic missile tests this year.
The two presidents reaffirmed their joint support for the African-led Great Green Wall initiative to address the climate and biodiversity crisis and contribute to sustainable development, peace and security in the Sahara and Sahel regions.
In the Middle East, France and the United States intend to work closely to support peace and prosperity in the Middle East, and the two Presidents welcome the launch of the Negev Forum, the second anniversary of the signing of the Abraham Accords, and the historic achievement of concluding the Israeli-Lebanese maritime border agreement in October 2022.
France and the United States affirm the continuation of joint efforts to urge Lebanon's leaders to elect a president in Lebanon.
The two Presidents expressed their respect for the Iranian people, especially the women and youth who are demonstrating courageously to demand the free exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms that Iran has committed itself to and is now violating.
France and the United States continue to work to improve the grave humanitarian situation facing the Syrian people and to promote a just and long-term solution to the Syrian conflict.
The two presidents stressed ensuring that Iran would never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon, as France and the United States continue to work with other international partners to counter Iran's nuclear escalation and destabilizing activities in the Middle East, including
Its transfer of missiles and drones, including to non-state actors.
According to the statement, these transfers may threaten key Gulf partners, stability and security in the region, contravene international law and are now contributing to the war in Ukraine.
With regard to nuclear deterrence, non-proliferation and disarmament, the United States and France reaffirm that nuclear deterrence remains essential to their national security and an essential component of NATO's deterrence and defense capabilities.
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