Jill Biden, Donald Trump to Mark Notre Dame Reopening in Paris

 December 4, 2024

First lady Jill Biden embarked on her final solo international journey, a tour emphasizing support for military families, education, and health research, concluding with a significant event in Paris alongside President-elect Donald Trump and other global dignitaries.

Mrs. Biden's journey across four nations culminates in a grand celebration of Notre Dame Cathedral's reopening, as the Los Angeles Times reports.

The first lady began her trip this Tuesday, marking her 10th solo venture abroad. Over six days, she is scheduled to visit Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and finally, France.

In Italy, her first destination, Biden visited her ancestral roots in Gesso, Sicily, before heading to Naval Air Station Sigonella in Catania, where she engaged with military personnel as part of her ongoing initiative, Joining Forces.

Education and Health Take Center Stage

Mrs. Biden's agenda in the United Arab Emirates included a visit to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and participating in a significant dialogue at the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit.

Her visit aimed to foster international collaboration in medical research and healthcare.

While in Abu Dhabi, Jill Biden also met with Sheikha Fatima bin Mubarak, demonstrating a continued U.S. commitment to engaging with global leaders on issues of women's health and empowerment.

Engagement with Cultural and Educational Leaders in Qatar

In Qatar, the first lady's schedule was packed with culturally significant and educational visits, including the Qatar Foundation and Weill Cornell Medicine -- Qatar.

This highlighted Mrs. Biden's focus on education as a vital element of her international advocacy.

Her participation extended to a royal wedding dinner, underscoring the importance of cultural diplomacy in her role as First Lady.

Jill Biden also spoke at the Doha Forum, reinforcing her role as an international spokesperson before heading to her final stop in Paris.

A Symbolic Finale in Paris with Global Leaders

The climax of Jill Biden's international tour will be in Paris, celebrating the much-anticipated reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, five years after it suffered catastrophic damage from a fire.

This event promises to be a momentous occasion, bringing together leaders from around the world.

President-elect Trump's announcement of his planned attendance at the Notre Dame event signifies a rare shared appearance with the first lady, underscoring the global significance of this cultural milestone.

Prior to her departure, Jill Biden, who taught English and writing at Northern Virginia Community College, once again demonstrated her commitment to education and public service, balancing her teaching responsibilities with her duties as first lady.

Jill Biden's Global Diplomacy

This trip also reflects on Jill Biden's extensive travel record as first lady, a time during which she has led U.S. delegations to both the Tokyo Olympics and this year's Games in Paris, visited war-torn Ukraine, and engaged in diplomacy in Latin America and Africa.

Her visit to Mexico in October for the inauguration of Mexico's first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, further highlights her role in fostering gender equality and supporting women in leadership globally.

As Jill Biden prepares for her return to Washington on Sunday, her journey underscores her dedication to service, education, and global engagement, hallmarks of her tenure as first lady.

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