U.S. President Joe Biden and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron have extolled NATO’s role in an international context marked by the war in Ukraine and the growing role of China in the geopolitical arena.
«The presidents recognize the importance of a stronger and more capable European defense that contributes positively to transatlantic and global security and that is complementary to and interoperable with NATO,» they said in their joint statement following the French president’s reception at the White House.
In this regard, they pointed out that the operations in Bosnia or the training missions in Ukraine contribute «positively» to «transatlantic security», while they also stressed their intention to cooperate to improve defense exports.
On the other hand, they also stressed the concept of nuclear deterrence as a «fundamental» element of NATO. «They reaffirmed that the fundamental purpose of NATO’s nuclear capability is to preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression against the Alliance,» they said.
Against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, both Western leaders have condemned the annexation of Ukrainian territory, denounced war crimes in the country. They have also deplored Moscow’s nuclear rhetoric, as well as its disinformation about chemical attacks and biological weapons programs in Ukraine.
In addition to Ukraine and NATO, both Biden and Macron expressed concern about China’s «challenge to the international order», especially its failure to respect human rights, and condemned North Korea’s recent missile launches.
On the Indo-Pacific region, Washington and Paris have announced that they intend to increase bilateral coordination on security. «The United States intends to increase its support and material contributions to air and maritime deployments by France and other European nations in the region,» they said.
ON THE NEAR EAST Both leaders welcomed the launch of the Negev Forum, the regional forum between Israel, the United States and four Arab countries – Bahrain, Morocco, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates – as well as the second anniversary of the signing of the Abraham Accords between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi.
Regarding Lebanon, Biden and Macron highlighted the historic breakthrough of the maritime border agreement with Israel now in October and urged Beirut «to elect a president and promote critical reforms.»
The other regional issues they addressed were «the grave humanitarian situation facing the Syrian people» and the fight against terrorism, especially against the Islamic State.
Finally, they commented on the situation in Iran, emphasizing the recent protests that have erupted in the country after the death of young Mahsa Amini, as well as the nuclear escalation in the country.
«France and the United States continue to work with other international partners to address Iran’s nuclear escalation, its insufficient cooperation with the IAEA, including on serious and outstanding issues related to Iran’s legal obligations,» they concluded.
