U.S. and France Strengthen Ties and United Support for Ukraine in Secretary Blinken's Visit to Europe

Photo Credit: US Government

• Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Paris, France; and Brussels and Leuven, Belgium, April 1-5.

• While in Paris, Secretary Blinken will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss global issues including support for Ukraine, preventing the conflict in Gaza from expanding, and stabilizing Haiti. He will also meet with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay to underscore U.S. support for UNESCO’s core mission, including cultural preservation and education.

• In Brussels, Secretary Blinken will participate in the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of NATO on April 4, and have meetings with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

• On April 5, Secretary Blinken will join a U.S.-EU trilateral meeting with Armenia, together with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan regarding U.S. and EU support for Armenia’s economic resilience as it works to diversify its trade partnerships and address humanitarian needs.

• In Leuven, Belgium, Secretary Blinken will take part in the 6th U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council meetings, underscoring our shared commitment to innovation and economic collaboration. He also will visit imec, a Belgian semiconductor research center.

US-France Relations:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken's trip to the French Republic on April 1, 2024, underscores the deepening alliance between the United States and France, focusing on bolstering bilateral relations and reinforcing unified support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts. During his visit, Secretary Blinken is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron, Foreign Minister Séjourné, and other crucial officials to discuss collaborative efforts in backing Ukraine against Russia's aggression and seeking resolutions to global conflicts, including the Israel-Hamas situation.

The visit emphasizes the shared principles of national sovereignty and self-determination that have bonded the United States and France since their inception. France's pivotal role in addressing Russia's actions against Ukraine and leading in international arenas, including hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics and commemorating the 80th anniversary of France's Liberation, will be acknowledged.

The partnership between the two nations extends across NATO commitments, democratic values, and cooperation on global issues from the Indo-Pacific to Africa, the Middle East, and beyond, tackling challenges like terrorism, weapons proliferation, and public health threats. Economic ties are highlighted by substantial investments and employment opportunities generated by French firms in the U.S., alongside active engagement in addressing climate change, ocean protection, and energy cooperation through the U.S.-France Clean Energy Partnership initiated in 2022.

Moreover, the United States and France's collaboration spans over six decades in space cooperation, further strengthened by the U.S.-France Comprehensive Dialogue on Space, marking a commitment to deeper bilateral coordination. Both countries remain united in their condemnation of the war in Ukraine, imposing sanctions on Russia, and leading international efforts to support Ukraine's sovereignty and the well-being of refugees. This visit marks a significant step in reinforcing the U.S.-France alliance, demonstrating a shared dedication to global stability, security, and prosperity.