President Biden discussed NATO, climate change and the coronavirus pandemic during his first call as president with French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday.
According to a readout from the White House, Biden “stressed his commitment to bolstering the transatlantic relationship, including through NATO and the United States’ partnership with the European Union.”
Macron was among the world leaders to offer his congratulations to Biden and Vice President Harris upon their inauguration. In his message, he also welcomed the U.S. back to the Paris climate agreement, which Biden rejoined on his first day in office.
“The leaders agreed on the need for close coordination, including through multilateral organizations, in tackling common challenges such as climate change, COVID-19, and the global economic recovery,” continued the White House statement.
“They also agreed to work together on shared foreign policy priorities, including China, the Middle East, Russia, and the Sahel,” the statement added.
Biden spoke with U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday, and also Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, with whom he similarly expressed his intent to strengthen ties between the U.S. and their countries. Biden and Trudeau have agreed to meet some time next month.
Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan similarly spoke with his international counterparts from France, Germany, the U.K. and Japan on Thursday and also established the Biden administration’s intent to strengthen international ties with the nation’s allies.
While former President Trump touted his “America First” philosophy, disparaging NATO and withdrawing the U.S. from international agreements, Biden has signaled his intent to work more closely with international allies.