Joe Biden's State Visit to France: Traffic Disruptions and Diplomatic Talks
Paris is in a state of heightened security and significant traffic disruptions as American President Joe Biden makes his first state visit to France. The visit, marked by both ceremonial and diplomatic engagements, has brought parts of the city to a standstill with numerous road closures, including a significant portion of the périphérique, Paris' ring road.
On the agenda for the visit are both the ceremonial laying of a wreath at the Arc de Triomphe and a major bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders will descend the iconic Champs-Elysées, flanked by an escort of the Republican Guard. In addition to commemorative events, the visit aims to strengthen Franco-American ties in various sectors, including economic, nuclear, and space cooperation. Climate emergency and biodiversity protection are also expected to be key topics in their discussions.
Traffic Chaos Amid Presidential Visits
Ile-de-France has witnessed massive traffic jams due to the convoy of President Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, who is also visiting Paris. On Friday morning, around 170 km of cumulative traffic jams were reported, with significant disruptions on the A86 due to an accident near Aubervilliers. The Paris police have established a protection perimeter in the 8th arrondissement and warned of continued disruptions around major routes until the end of the state visit on Sunday.
The security measures for the visits include multiple road closures and restricted access, especially around key locations like the Arc de Triomphe, the Elysee Palace, and the American cemetery in Bois Belleau. Motorists are advised to avoid the ring road between Porte d'Asnières and Porte d'Orléans and plan for significant delays.
- The visit also includes a state dinner at the Elysee, reinforcing the strong ties between the two nations. President Biden is accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden, and after a series of commemorative events in Normandy, he will return to Paris for high-level discussions.
- Volodymyr Zelensky's presence in Paris adds another layer of diplomatic importance to the week. Zelensky is expected to deliver a speech at the National Assembly and later visit a Franco-German arms group site in Versailles. His visit underscores the ongoing international focus on the Ukraine crisis, which will be a major point of discussion in his meeting with President Macron.
