Emmanuel Macron

The president's remarks during a joint press conference with French President Macron also covered the use of clean energy and the Inflation Reduction Act's electric car provisions.

The three-day visit to Washington, D.C., symbolizes the recovery of a key relationship that deteriorated over a submarine deal with Australia last year that infuriated Paris.

The French president's centrist alliance lost its majority in the country's legislature, with more voters opting for candidates on at the extremes. Marine Le Pen's party went from eight seats to 89.

The French election was a tight race that was overshadowed by the war in Ukraine and saw a surge in support for extremist ideas.

French President Emmanuel Macron tore into his far-right challenger Marine Le Pen in a debate for her ties to Russia and wanting to strip Muslim women of their right to cover their heads in public.

As President Emmanuel Macron and challenger Marine Le Pen campaign for the April 24 run-off election, analysts say the vote results will have deep consequences in France and on the world stage.

Biden has agreed to meet with the Russian leader "in principle" if Russia does not invade Ukraine, the White House said, but Russia appears to be pursuing plans for a "full-scale assault" very soon.

The French president made the remarks to a newspaper on Tuesday, causing opposition lawmakers to call a halt to debate on a new nationwide mandate.

A U.S. agreement to share nuclear submarine technology with Australia caused a rift with France. On Friday President Biden reiterated to President Emmanuel Macron that France is a valued partner.

The phone call was the first between President Biden and President Emmanuel Macron since last week's fracas over a nuclear submarine deal. France had recalled its ambassador from Washington.