Joe Biden to host first state dinner for French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday; Details here

Joe Biden, US President and Jill Biden, first lady to host the Biden administration's first state dinner on Thursday for Emmanuel Macron, French President and his wife, Brigitte Macron.

John Kirby, White House spokesperson, said, "France is the U.S. oldest ally and is an important global partner. Our commitment to democratic principles, cultural ties, values and institutions has remained the strength of our bilateral relationship." The state dinner in Biden's term occurred nearly halfway, as the COVID-19 pandemic has caused event delay.

Macron's schedule

Macron will arrive on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. He will join Kamala Harris, Vice President, to visit NASA Headquarters.

On Thursday, in an official arrival ceremony, Macron and his wife will be greeted by Biden and the first lady. Doug Emhoff, Second Gentleman, will also join them.

Macron and Biden will discuss the continuation of close partnership on global challenges and bilateral interest areas.

Harris and Antony Blinken, Secretary of State, will host the Thursday Luncheon at the state department. Following this, Biden and Jill Biden will hold a state dinner on Thursday evening for Macron and his wife.

State dinner Event

State dinner is known as a black-tie event, which is attended by many ambassadors, lawmakers, and diplomats. Joe Batiste, musician and Grammy winner, will perform at the dinner this year.

FAQs:

1. What is a state dinner?
   According to the Association of White House, the state dinner is the White House's long-standing tradition where world leaders with their spouses are honoured by the President and first lady.
2. When was the first-ever state dinner held?
   President Ulysses S. Grant held the first dinner for Hawaii's kingdom, King David, in December 1874.
3. Is this the First state dinner for Macron?
   No! President Donald Trump hosted Macron for the first time at the state dinner in April 2018.