Biden praises France during visit, says country is America's 'first friend’

President Joe Biden praised the country of France during a visit, calling the country America's "first friend" during its founding on Saturday. 

French President Emmanuel Macron invited President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for an official state visit in Paris. 

“This week, we have once again showed the world once again the power of allies, what we can achieve when we stand together. That’s what the relationship between France and the United States exemplifies,” Biden said during remarks, according to CNN.

Both leaders visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and attended a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe. Macron also hosted a state dinner for Biden and his wife. 

“France was our first friend,” Biden said, according to The Associated Press. “It remains one of our best friends.”

Macron and Biden are expected to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas war, and strengthening NATO, according to The Guardian.

Macron praised Biden for bringing “clarity and loyalty of a partner that loves and respects the Europeans.”