Biden To Give Speech On Democracy Following France State Visit

President Biden will depart this evening for France where he will participate in D-Day 80^th anniversary commemorations before attending his first State Visit to France, reciprocating a US State Visit by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2022. Biden will deliver a speech on June 7 focused on, “the importance of democracy and fighting for democracy.” Biden will likely use the speech to draw a clear distinction between his administration and the NATO-sceptic position of former President Donald Trump.

• The Elyse Palace said Biden and Macron will discuss “the need for unwavering, long-term support for Ukraine” at a time when war has returned to Europe.
• AP notes: “Biden’s state visit will allow 'close coordination' between France and the U.S. on world crises ahead of international events including the summit of the Group of Seven major economies next month in Italy and the NATO summit in Washington in July.”
• White House National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby told reporters the visit comes, "at an important moment" as "Ukraine continues to face down Russian threats" and, "we are working to address the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East."
• Kirby said, “you can anticipate certain deliverables,” on issues relating to Ukraine, the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific region, and climate change.
• Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, told reporters: “This is a very important opportunity for President Biden to reaffirm our NATO alliance and emphasize that the world is really on the cusp of a turning point.”