Watch Live: Biden welcomes France’s Macron to White House for first state visit

Washington — President Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden are welcoming French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, to the White House on Thursday for a state visit, the first of the Biden presidency.

Macron is expected to arrive at the White House around 9 a.m., and he and Mr. Biden, along with their spouses, are participating in an arrival ceremony. Vice President Kamala Harris, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and top Biden administration officials are also on hand to greet the Macrons. 

The two world leaders will then participate in a bilateral meeting, followed by a joint press conference. On Thursday night, Mr. Biden and the first lady are set to host the Macrons for a state dinner.

The first lady previewed the state dinner on Wednesday. The event will take place on the South Lawn of the White House, and between 300 and 400 guests are expected to attend.

Mr. Biden and Macron have spoken numerous times over the president’s time in office and met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September.

Macron also traveled to the U.S. for a state visit hosted by former President Donald Trump in 2018. First elected to lead France in 2017, Macron defeated far-right challenger Marine Le Pen to win a second term in April.