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VP Harris and France's Macron Discuss Cooperation

VOA News

   U.S.Vice President Kamala Harris spoke to FrenchPresident Emmanuel
   Macron,expressingher commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, a
   White House statement said on Monday.

   "Vice President Harris and President Macron agreed on the need for
   close bilateral and multilateral cooperation to address COVID-19,
   climate change, and support democracy at home and around the world,"
   the statement said.

   Since President Joe Biden took office on Jan. 20, his administration
   has moved to rebuild ties with allies over global issues, asharp
   breakfrom the approach of former President Donald Trump, who advocated
   "AmericaFirst."
   President Joe Biden speaks about the coronavirus in the State Dinning
   Room of the White House, Jan. 21, 2021, in Washington.

   In the weeks since Biden was inaugurated, the UnitedStateshas rejoined
   the World Health Organizationandisrejoining the Paris climate accord.

   The call was the second Harris hashad witha world leadersince taking
   office, a sign thatHarris, aformer U.S. senator from California,may
   play a foreign policy rolein the Biden administration.Earlier this
   month, Harris spoke toCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, her first
   call as vice president with a foreign leader.

   According to the White House statement, Harris and Macronagreed on the
   need to combat regional unrest in the Middle East and Africa.

   Harris praised Macron for his "leadership on the issue of gender
   equality and for France's contribution to NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance
   rover."

   The phone callisthe second between Washington and Parissince Biden took
   office andpotentiallybolstersMacron, who faces election next year.
   Macron has been criticized for poor management oftheCOVID-19crisis anda
   weak French economy, as well as a failure to fight terrorism from
   Islamic extremists.

   Macron is facing stiff opposition from his long-time challenger Marine
   Le Pen.

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