Comment du Jour

(Statue of French General  Comte Jean de Rochambeau, located in Lafayette Park across from the White House in Washington.  General Rochambeau was a hero of the American Revolution and friend of George Washington). 



Franco/American Ties

State Visit amid Awkward Moments for French President 

French President Francois Hollande made a high profile State Visit to Washington, amid his own sagging poll numbers and awkward personal situation.  Set amid the pomp and splendor of a White House reception and banquet,  the social side of the gatherings were overshadowed by the embarrassing public breakup between the French President and his "partner" just a month earlier.

For protocol purposes the French "first Lady" was absent from the ceremonies leaving an uncomfortable void for many of the functions.

Some 350 Diplomats and Politicians and luminaries dined on quail eggs and caviar at the first White House State Dinner since 2011.

The French daily Le Figaro headlined, "Magic, Friendship, Caviar and Beef," all in the celebration of America's oldest friendship.

 On the political side both Barack Obama and Hollande underscored strong Franco/American ties on a number of key issues such as Iran and Syria.

The political rift between former French President Jacques Chirac and George W. Bush a decade ago over Iraq now seems remote. Yet it should be recalled that while ties between Washington and Paris were deeply strained in 2003-2004, just a few years later the new French President Nicolas Sarkozy largely patched up the situation.  A visit by Sarkozy to the USA in 2007 saw greatly improved relations with the Bush Administration which have subsequently continued under Obama.

It's good to see a renewed, strong and vital Franco/American relationship.

Vive le France!