United States / France: the state dinner, highlight of Emmanuel Macron's visit to Washington
The two presidents, here accompanied by their wives, wanted to display during this state dinner the solidity of the ties woven between the United States and France.
AFP - LUDOVIC MARIN
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
It was the ceremonial highlight of Emmanuel Macron's visit to Washington: the State dinner given in his honor by Joe Biden at the White House to close two days of ceremonial and political meetings with, on the menu, the desire shared by the two presidents to display the solidity of the ties between the United States and France
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With our special correspondent in Washington,
Valérie Gas
Long dresses and tuxedos were de rigueur at the White House for the state dinner organized on the occasion of Emmanuel Macron's visit.
Under a tent erected on the lawn, some 350 handpicked guests, including director Claude Lelouch and businessman Bernard Arnault, were gathered around the American and French presidential couples.
Refined dishes and smiles
Refined dishes, smiles and the famous toasts exchanged by Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron.
"
France is our first friend
", launches the American president.
“
My dear Joe, my dear friend, and let me say, long live the United States of America, long live France, and long live the friendship between our two countries
”, replies his French counterpart.
The two presidents showed their closeness.
Emmanuel Macron was delighted: “
I really wanted to thank President Joe Biden, because he is a leader with whom we have very frank and very direct discussions
.
»
open door
Frank discussions which Emmanuel Macron took advantage of to address the question of the consequences for European companies of the American plan of subsidies to the economy.
Joe Biden did not give in: “
The United States does not apologize for this legislation
”, while leaving the door open to adjustments in its application.
A way of being attentive to his "
friend
" Emmanuel Macron whom he received for the first state visit of his mandate.
►Also read
: Biden and Macron reaffirm their “essential” alliance despite the tensions of recent months
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United States
France
Emmanuel Macron
Joe Biden
Diplomacy