Biden talks to the Frenchman Macron, looking to strengthen ties

FILE PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron sends New Year wishes to the military forces at the Atlantic Maritime Prefecture in Brest, France, January 19, 2021. REUTERS / Stephane Mahe / Pool

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – US President Joe Biden spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, expressing a desire to strengthen bilateral ties, the White House said, while Biden made the traditional ally one of the first countries contacted in his first days in office.

The White House statement also said Biden underlined his commitment to strengthening transatlantic relations through NATO and the US partnership with the European Union.

The two leaders also agreed on the need for close coordination, including through multilateral organizations, in addressing common challenges, such as climate change, COVID-19 and the global economic recovery, the statement said.

They also agreed to work together on common foreign policy priorities, including China, the Middle East, Russia and the Sahel region of West Africa.

Reporting by Patricia Zengerle in Washington; Edited by Peter Cooney and Matthew Lewis

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