Outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Paris on Wednesday for discussions on Middle East issues and to receive France’s highest honour, the Legion of Honour. French President Emmanuel Macron will bestow the award on Blinken, highlighting strong US-France ties.
Blinken’s visit comes at a key moment, with the Middle East in flux after forces toppled Syria’s Bashar al-Assad last month. He will meet French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who recently visited Damascus to encourage regional stability.
Talks will also address the ongoing Gaza crisis, where Israel has continuously invaded and hit Gaza with airstrikes killing primarily women and children, with Blinken reaffirming US-Qatar efforts for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Before concluding his tenure, Blinken will travel to Rome for further Middle East discussions, then join President Biden on his final international trip, which includes a meeting with Pope Francis.
