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President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron this evening at the first state dinner of his presidency.

The event is intended to strengthen the bond between the US and France, White House officials said at a preview on Wednesday.

‘The design of this dinner was inspired by the shared colors of our flags—red, white, and blue—and our common values: liberty and democracy, equality and fellowship,’ First Lady Jill Biden said.

The president has waited an unusually long time to host his first state dinner. The event has reportedly been in the works for months, but has been put off multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, scheduling conflicts, and other White House events including the wedding of the president’s granddaughter Naomi Biden.

Although state dinners are usually held in the 120-seat White House State Dining Room, the event is scheduled to take place under a massive tent on the White House’s South Lawn to accommodate more guests.

The dinner comes as the Biden administration tries to repair a currently rocky relationship with France.

French officials have been irate with the Americans after an Australian military spending deal to purchase submarines fell through in 2021, and the Australians inked a deal with the US instead.

In a meeting with American lawmakers on Wednesday, Macron also criticized provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act that offers subsidies to American manufacturers. The French president reportedly called the law ‘super aggressive’ towards European companies.

The meal, created by White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and Executive Pastry Chef Susie Morrison, was designed to feature American specialties, including beef, potatoes, and poached Maine lobster.

It will also feature a selection of American cheeses, including the 2019 World Cheese Award winner Rogue River Blue.

The wine list was also designed to highlight California vintages, and includes the Newton ‘Unfiltered’ Chardonnay, Anakota ‘Knights Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Roederer Estate Brut Rose sparkling wine.

‘It’s an expression of welcome and friendship—a way to connect through a language that transcends words,’ First Lady Jill Biden said. ‘And as each dish comes to the table, so too does the meaning behind it.’

The evening will also feature a performance by Jon Batiste, Jill Biden said they chose the former Late Show bandleader because he ‘grew up in New Orleans, which has been shaped by both French and American culture.’

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