Biden speaks with Frenchman Macron, seeks to strengthen ties



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FILE PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron presents his New Year’s greetings to the Atlantic Maritime Prefecture military forces in Brest, France, January 19, 2021. REUTERS / Stephane Mahe / Pool

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – US President Joe Biden held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, expressing his desire to strengthen bilateral ties, the White House said, as Biden made the traditional ally one of the first countries contacted during 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, to address 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 in West Africa.

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

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