During a phone call on Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron discussed security cooperation in Africa, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific with United States (US) President Joe Biden.
The leaders reviewed the security situation in Africa’s Sahel region and their efforts to maintain stability and security. They also committed to strengthening cooperation in the Sahel and the Indo-Pacific. Additionally, the duo discussed measures to boost European defences while ensuring complementarity with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
A White House press release stated: “President Biden looks forward to the meeting with President Macron in Rome later this month, where they will continue the conversation, take stock of the many areas of US-France cooperation, and reinforce our shared interests and common values as we take on challenges and opportunities together.”
The conversation between the leaders is an attempt to repair bilateral relations after France accused the US of blindsiding Europe with its new military partnership, AUKUS, with Australia and the United Kingdom (UK). The alliance was announced last month to strengthen defences and counter China’s growing influence and presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
However, for this deal, Australia abandoned a multi-billion submarine contract with France, infuriating the latter and straining its ties with the US and Australia. As a retaliatory measure, France recalled its ambassadors to both countries and suspended meetings with British and Australian officials. However, after a phone call with Biden on September 22, Macron agreed to send the French ambassador back to Washington and initiate in-depth consultations to restore trust and friendship.
Following Macon and Biden’s phone call, also on Friday, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai met her French counterpart Franck Riester on the sidelines of the G7 trade ministers conference in London. During the meeting, Tai reaffirmed US’ commitment to bolstering ties with France.
In addition, US Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to meet Macron in November during her trip to Paris. According to her spokesperson, Symone Sanders, Harris will deliver a speech at the fourth edition of the Paris Peace Forum on November 11 and participate in the Paris Conference on Libya on November 12. Sanders said, “They [Harris and Macron] will discuss the importance of the transatlantic relationship to global peace and security and underscore the importance of our partnership on global challenges from COVID-19 and the climate crisis to issues affecting the Sahel and the Indo-Pacific.”
Likewise, earlier this month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Paris, where he had “very productive and positive” conversations with French leaders.
Macron Discusses Security in Sahel, Europe, and Indo-Pacific With Biden
French President Emmanuel Macron discussed security cooperation in the Sahel and Indo-Pacific and greater defences for Europe amid AUKUS fallout with US President Joe Biden.
October 25, 2021
French President Emmanuel Macron with Joe Biden, the president of the United States. SOURCE: AXIOS