WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday to express his desire to strengthen bilateral ties, the White House said, as Biden turned the traditional ally into one of the first countries in which he was contacted during his first days in office.
The White House statement also said Biden emphasized his commitment to strengthening transatlantic relations through NATO and the United States’ association with the European Union.
The two leaders also agreed on the need for close coordination, even through multilateral organizations, to address common challenges such as climate change, COVID-19 and global economic recovery, according to the statement.
They also agreed to work together on shared foreign policy priorities, including China, the Middle East, Russia and the Sahel region of West Africa.
Patricia Zengerle Reports in Washington; Edited by Peter Cooney and Matthew Lewis