Joe Biden welcomed Macron and his wife.

Today, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived at the White House to visit United States President Joe Biden. This is the first State Visit Biden has hosted since taking office, as well as Macron’s second time visiting the White House in his tenure as French President, having previously visited during the Trump Administration.

USA! A moment to celebrate the friendship between our two countries. A moment to progress together in a time of great challenges. pic.twitter.com/Pw5EfktFC2

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 30, 2022

Macron’s office announced that, upon his arrival, he gifted four items to Joe and Jill Biden: the soundtrack to his and his wife Brigitte’s first date movie, Un Homme et une Femme, a cup from house Christofle, a sweater from House Saint James, and a watch from LIP Horlogerie.

Arlington National Cemetery, where American veterans are buried, including so many heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice to liberate France. pic.twitter.com/blup74Ys8z

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 1, 2022

“Throughout all of these events, you can expect to see on display both our long-shared history as allies, as well as our deep partnership … on the most urgent global challenges of today and tomorrow,” White House national security council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Monday prior to the visit. “While there are specific areas where we anticipate will make progress during this visit, I want to stress that this visit really largely serves as a celebration of the strong footing of this relationship: one that is well-rooted in our history, from the very beginnings of our country, while also oriented squarely toward the future – and it’s a very dynamic, exciting future that we’re looking forward to.”