President Biden arrived in France on Wednesday morning in preparation for attending the 80th anniversary commemoration of the Normandy Landings on June 6th and embarking on a five-day state visit to France.
This year, France is commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings with grand ceremonies spanning three days starting from June 5th. On the 8th, Biden will receive an elaborate reception in Paris. Following a meeting with the French President, he will attend a welcome dinner arranged by President Macron at the Élysée Palace.
According to reports from Radio France Internationale (RFI), Biden, King Charles III of the United Kingdom, Chancellor Scholz of Germany, President Mattarella of Italy, among others, arrived successively on Wednesday to participate alongside President Macron in the commemorative events in Normandy.
Interestingly, Russian President Putin, who had been invited to the 70th anniversary of the victory in the anti-fascist war a decade ago, did not receive an invitation this time.
The Normandy Landings were a pivotal battle that changed the course of World War II. A message previously released by the White House indicated that 80 years ago, 73,000 Americans landed here, opening the way for the liberation of France and Europe.
Against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, this commemorative event carries particular significance. Biden is set to speak on the beach where the American troops landed back in the day. The Ukrainian crisis will be a significant topic for discussion between the French and American leaders during their meeting in Paris on the 8th.
President Zelensky of Ukraine will also attend the Normandy Landings commemoration and use this opportunity to embark on his first-ever state visit to France since taking office. He is scheduled to engage in talks with the U.S. President once again during this period.