Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron meet

White House hosts first official state visit for the French President

President Joe Biden is welcoming French President Emmanuel Macron to the White House for the first official state visit since the Democrats took power in 2021.

The festivities mark a return to more ceremonial and diplomatic events that were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said France is the United States’ oldest ally on several critical issues and a “vital global partner.”

The meeting comes as there are many global issues facing both countries.

“If you look at what’s going on in Ukraine, look at what’s going on in the Indo-Pacific and the tensions with China, France is really at the center of all those things,” Kirby said.

“And so, the President felt that this was exactly the right and the most appropriate country to start with for state visits.”

While a state visit is one of the most glamorous events held at the White House—it is also serious business.

The visit kicks off with an elaborate arrival ceremony, followed by a press conference between the two leaders capping off with an evening black-tie dinner.

Officials in both countries are celebrating the visit as recognition of Francis status as America’s oldest ally.