Blinken honoured in France, shrugs off Trump's jibes ahead of transition

RFI

8 January 2025 at 3:24 pm·1-min read

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers remarks as France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot (R) looks on after their meeting at the Quai d'Orsay in Paris, on 8 January, 2025.

Signing off as America's top diplomat, Antony Blinken was feted Wednesday by ally France – and forced to brush aside bombastic remarks by incoming president Donald Trump.

Blinken, on a farewell tour less than two weeks before Trump takes office, visited Paris where President Emmanuel Macron was presenting him with the Legion of Honor, France's highest order of merit.

Blinken on Trump

"I would like to tell you that you show the face of the America that we love," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told Blinken before the ceremony.

But as Blinken looked to highlight President Joe Biden's efforts to nurture alliances, the secretary of state was asked to address threats by Trump against Greenland.

France warns Trump over military threats to take control of Greenland

The president-elect has made clear his designs on oil-rich and strategically placed Greenland, an autonomous territory of European Union member Denmark, and refused to rule out military action.

Musk is 'private citizen'

(With AFP)

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