During Visit, Biden and Macron Discuss Middle East and Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Joe Biden met in Paris on Saturday for talks on various international issues following commemorations of the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Discussions included topics such as the Middle East, Ukraine, and trade.

Both leaders expressed their commitment to preventing regional conflicts, particularly in Lebanon, where tensions between Israel and Hezbollah are ongoing. They also welcomed the recent rescue of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and emphasized the need for a ceasefire.

While Biden has shown strong support for Israel, concerns over Palestinian casualties have strained his relationship with some members of his political base. Both presidents refrained from taking questions from reporters during their visit.

The day included a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe, followed by a dinner at the Elysee presidential palace with notable guests like Pharrell Williams and John McEnroe. The leaders also met with World War Two veterans and discussed issues such as support for Ukraine and opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trade-related matters, such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, were also on the agenda. Macron and Biden acknowledged the challenges posed by the legislation and expressed a desire to align their economies for mutual benefit.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the strong relationship between France and the United States on key international issues and emphasized the importance of cooperation in addressing global challenges.