President Joe Biden delivered an unusual ‘press statement’ during his state visit to France on Saturday, welcoming the rescue of four hostages from Gaza but refusing once again to take any questions.
He stood alongside his host President Emmanuel Macron after a ceremonial welcome at the Arc de Triomph, and a working lunch where they discussed China, trade and national security issues.
They both opened with comments on the rescue of four Israeli hostages from Gaza.
‘I want to echo President Macron’s comments welcoming the safe rescue of four hostages that were returned to their families in Israel,’ he said.
‘We won’t stop working until all the hostages come home and a ceasefire is reached.’
President Joe Biden spoke to the press on Saturday in Paris. But rather than a press conference, officials said the event was a ‘press statement’ without any questions
The pomp of a full state visit is almost always accompanied by a press conference, allowing world leaders to describe their discussions and announce progress towards their shared goals.
But this time officials warned journalists they would not have a chance to quiz Macron and Biden about their relationship.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby offered no explanation when asked about the plan.
‘It was decided in our discussions, in our planning for this visit, that that’s what they would do that they would come out and make statements to the press,’ he told reporters a day earlier.
Macron spoke for nine minutes but Biden managed just five, reflecting on this week’s D-Day anniversary, thanking his host for his support for Ukraine, their shared work on reducing carbon emissions and his hospitality.
‘It’s a beautiful country,’ he said.
He ignored a shouted question at the end about using seized Russian assets to help fund the war in Ukraine.
Biden has answered only one question from the traveling press corps since arriving in France on Wednesday, answering ‘good’ when asked how his day had been on Thursday, following ceremonies to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
He granted a television interview on the same day to ABC News, but the lack of a press conference will lead to fresh questions that he is trying to avoid scrutiny.
He had no public events on Wednesday at all, after flying in from Washington that morning.
Former president of the White House Correspondents Association Jeff Mason, expressed his frustration at the absence of the traditional press conference
President Emanuel Macron will host the Bidens at a state dinner on Saturday night
Macron and Biden pictured during their working lunch at the Elysee Palace, Paris
President Emmanuel Macron greets President Joe Biden for his state visit in Paris on Saturday, with first ladies Brigitte Macron and Jill Biden
Earlier Macron and his wife welcomed Biden and first lady Jill Biden in a pomp-filled ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe. The two leaders stood shoulder to shoulder beneath a fluttering French tricolor to honor the nation’s war dead.
‘Proud to be here,’ said Biden. ‘A great honor.’
It is a chance for France to return the favor after Biden hosted Macron for a state visit at the White House in 2022. And the French media have made much of the fact that their guest is in the country for five days, taking in the D-Day anniversary.
‘France is … our oldest and one of our deepest allies. And this will be an important moment to affirm that alliance and also look to the future and what we have to accomplish together,’ U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters.
They were to discuss Russia’s war with Ukraine, the crisis in Gaza, as well as climate change, artificial intelligence and supply chains, he said.
They were also expected to announce plans to work together in the Indo-Pacific on port security and on maritime law enforcement.
Biden and his officials have repeatedly pointed out that France is the oldest ally of the U.S., sending troops to fight in the Revolutionary War against Britain.
‘It’s probably a good thing for us to remember that we didn’t win our independence either without some foreign help or foreign assistance, specifically from France,’ is how White House national security spokesman John Kirby put it on Friday.
The two presidents laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during a ceremony at the Arc du Triumphe to mark the start of the state visit
The Bidens arrive in the Beast. Jill Biden flew back into Paris to be at her husband’s side
French Republican Guards stand in front of the Arc de Triomphe before a welcoming ceremony with France’s president and US president, in Paris
Biden arrived in France on Wednesday ahead of the 80th anniversary of D-Day. On Friday, he delivered a speech at World War II Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument
Yet that relationship comes with strains. Macron has repeatedly pushed Biden to go further in his support for Ukraine, even suggesting that he would send French forces to train Ukrainian troops in a move the American president fears would only escalate Russian aggression.
And, in line with other European leaders, Macron has been far more critical of Israel in its waging of war in Gaza than Biden.
That all comes with a big dose of Gallic indignation at any hint of American cultural imperialism, coupled with U.S. exasperation at French sensitivities.
And then there is potentially the thorniest issue of all: Trade.
Officials throughout Europe are infuriated by Biden’s 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. They see its subsidies for American-made products as an unfair, protectionist move that makes it harder for European companies to compete.
The issue threatened to overshadow Macron’s 2022 state visit to Washington and embarrass his hosts.
In a meeting with American lawmakers, Marcon reportedly described it as a ‘super aggressive’ move against E.U. competitors.
Biden met French military veterans during the ceremony just after midday on Saturday
Later Biden and Macron are expected to discuss conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine
There was no time for any of that during the official welcome ceremony. There was a military parade, a fly-over by French fighter jet and anthems.
First lady Jill Biden was at the president’s side after flying back to the U.S. in a whirlwind visit to make sure she was with stepson Hunter as his trial on gun charges continues.
While she was away, Biden spent Friday meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris, where he apologized for a months-long delay by Congress in approving tens of billions of dollars of military aid.
And then he flew to Normandy for a much-trailed speech, connecting the spirit of the U.S. heroes of D-day with the contemporary fight for democracy.
‘Does anyone doubt they would want America to stand up against Putin’s aggression here in Europe today,’ he said.
‘They stormed the beaches alongside our allies. Does anyone believe Rangers want America to go it alone today.’
It was the second visit to the landing beaches in as many days. On Thursday, he led tributes at the American cemetery before joining other world leaders at an international ceremony.
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